Portugal records four years of growth alongside falling greenhouse-gas emissions
INE reports that 2024 completed the first four-year run in its series in which economic output grew while greenhouse-gas emissions fell.
Archived after its publication day. Search retains this original briefing for background and accountability.
Archived 12 September 2026The result is a national accounting measure, not proof that every sector or household reduced emissions. It is useful for tracking direction but should not be confused with a current-year forecast.
- In 2024, greenhouse-gas emissions fell 2.8% to 52.0 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
- GDP at market prices grew 2.7% in the same year.
- The economy's carbon intensity fell 5.4% to the lowest level in the series beginning in 1995.
The indicators moved in opposite directions
INE's environmental accounts put emissions and economic activity on a consistent national-accounting basis. The four-year pattern suggests that recent growth was not accompanied by an overall rise in measured greenhouse-gas output.
The latest reference year is 2024 because environmental accounts take time to compile. The release does not describe emissions in October 2026.
Sector detail still matters
A national fall can coexist with increases in individual industries, journeys or homes. Businesses should use their own energy and activity data, while households should rely on actual consumption rather than a national average.
Future progress will depend on energy, transport, buildings and land-use decisions. One statistical run does not guarantee that the trend will continue.
What you can do now.
- 01
Use the 2024 figures as retrospective national evidence.
- 02
Check sector data before making a business claim.
- 03
Measure actual energy and fuel use for a household or company decision.
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