Total CO2 emissions go down, but we use more petrol

The CO2 reduction has started. In the first three months of 2023, less carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases were emitted in the Netherlands than in the first three months of the previous year. Nevertheless, we use more petrol, according to figures from the Dutch statistical office and the emissions registry of the RIVM.

Total emissions in the first quarter of 2023 were 4 percent lower than a year earlier. The decline was mostly seen in the built environment, which includes homes and offices, and in industry. Air traffic, which had recovered from the Corona years, emitted 18 percent more.

More petrol consumed

Total CO2 emissions decreased, but emissions from the ‘Traffic and Transport’ sector were significantly higher. 10 percent more than in the first quarter of 2022. This brings emissions from this sector almost back to pre-pandemic levels.

What about electric vehicles?

And that’s not strange. After all, people fly more often and travel by car more often. This is also reflected in the fuel consumption. In the past three months, 22 percent more petrol was consumed compared to the same months last year. Diesel was sold 4 percent more.

How many kWh electric cars consume is not mentioned. Autovisie asked Statistics Netherlands how many kWh electric vehicles consume in the mobility sector (traffic and transport). This article will be updated soon.

To update: Statistics Netherlands states that emissions from electric vehicles (due to the electricity produced) cannot yet be traced. This is initially divided into the “Electricity” area. The “traffic and transport” sector therefore does not include all traffic. The Statistics Office tells Autovisie that there is still no solution for this “error” in the classification.

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