Poland ranks second in the European Union for emissions relative to its economic size.
According to a recent report from BNP Paribas Polska, Poland ranks as the second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the EU relative to its economic activity. When considering emissions per capita, Poland stands as the fifth highest in the EU. Specifically, in 2022, Poland emitted 715 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per million euros of GDP, which is 2.7 times the EU average of 263 tonnes, trailing only behind Bulgaria in this aspect. On a per capita basis, Poland emitted 11 tonnes of CO2 equivalent, compared to the EU average of 8.1 tonnes. Notably, Ireland, Luxembourg, Denmark, and Estonia surpassed Poland in emissions per person.
In terms of total emissions, Poland ranks fourth in the EU, emitting 406 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2022. Leading the rankings in total emissions are Germany, France, and Italy. The report underscores Poland's consistently high emissions over the years, attributed to rapid economic growth and a sluggish energy transition, primarily reliant on coal for energy production. Despite efforts to increase renewable energy sources, coal remains a significant contributor to Poland's electricity generation, with renewables contributing around 26% in 2022, up from 9% in 2015. The report stresses the necessity for increased investment in renewables and the effective utilization of EU funds to facilitate Poland's energy transition while preserving economic competitiveness. Additionally, although household emissions in Poland are relatively low compared to the EU average, mainly due to coal heating, emissions from vehicle use remain moderate.