Portugal at risk of missing 2030 climate goals after modest 3% emissions drop in 2024

Portugal’s greenhouse‑gas emissions fell 3% in 2024, reaching 51.5 million tonnes of CO₂‑equivalent – about 40% below 2005 levels. The reduction is attributed mainly to renewable electricity and favorable weather, while the transport sector still accounts for roughly 35% of total emissions.

Environmental group Zero warns that without deep reforms in transport, the country is unlikely to meet its 2030 target of a 55% cut versus 2005. The group points to structural weaknesses in climate governance, stagnant diesel and gasoline use, and rising emissions from fluorinated gases. To stay on track, Zero calls for accelerated vehicle electrification, greater public‑transport and rail investment, and a robust implementation of the Climate Base Law.

If the current trends continue, Portugal would need to cut nearly 13 million tonnes of CO₂e by 2030, a pace the association deems unlikely without decisive policy action.