Abstract:

CO₂ emissions are a global problem. This means that nothing or very little will change if only particular countries are involved. The aim of this paper is the attempt to show the real CO₂ emissions of Spain as well as the impact of its trade on CO₂ emissions in other countries in the world and in the EU in 2017. This study was conducted on the group of countries that are the major emitters of CO₂ in the world including most of the EU members. Countries with negligible CO₂ emissions were omitted. Actual CO₂ emissions were obtained by applying the actual emission factor. This considers the transfer of CO₂ in export products and services as well as those imported by particular countries. The real CO₂ emissions in Spain are significantly different from the gross values, which represent the CO₂ emissions in particular countries. It is also important to indicate that the isolated actions of a single country within the European Union itself do not deliver the intended global and regional target - positive changes in CO₂ emissions reduction. The approach to the issue of CO₂ emissions, proposed in this study, directly affects the results of individual EU member states in implementing their energy policy objectives. The article shows a different approach to the issue of CO₂ emission.