Residual emissions in EU agriculture

As climate negotiations in the EU continue, and policymakers seek loopholes that weaken EU climate action, the world reached its first tipping point. The science is clear; we need deep emission cuts across all sectors. Yet, the agri-food sector continues to drag its feet.  

Emissions from the sector are sometimes labelled as “complex”, “natural”, “hard to abate”, and… “residual”. Referring to these emissions as residual, intentionally or not, creates the impression that they cannot be addressed.  

This report – by the Institute for European Environmental Policy and commissioned by the European Environmental Bureau – proves otherwise, highlighting the multiple paths the sector can take to address its emissions, and some come with additional benefits for society.