Prague has reduced its total carbon dioxide emissions by almost one third over the past 14 years, according to a new monitoring report reviewed by city officials this week.

The data shows that emissions fell by roughly 30 percent between 2010 and 2024, even as the city’s population continued to grow.

According to the report, Prague’s total carbon dioxide output declined from 8.85 million tonnes in 2010 to 6.22 million tonnes in 2024. This reduction occurred during a period when the city’s population increased from about 1.26 million residents to roughly 1.4 million.

City officials attribute most of the decline to lower emissions from stationary and energy-related sources. These include heating systems, electricity generation, and fuel combustion in residential and commercial buildings.

Improvements in energy efficiency and changes in fuel use played a central role.

Transport emissions, however, remain a weak point. The report shows that emissions from transport have decreased only marginally and have risen slightly in recent years. Private car use is the main factor behind this trend. In 2024, emissions from individual car transport were 0.4 percent higher than in 2010.

Despite this, the city’s overall energy intensity and carbon footprint have followed a long-term downward path. After a temporary rise in emissions in 2022, linked to the post-pandemic economic recovery, the years 2023 and 2024 marked a return to declining levels.

Prague approved its climate plan in 2021. Under the plan, the city aims to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 45 percent by 2030 compared with 2010 levels.

This would mean reducing annual emissions to approximately 4.8 million tonnes.

The long-term target is climate neutrality by 2050. In practical terms, this involves gradually lowering emissions toward near-zero levels while reshaping how energy is produced, consumed, and transported across the city.

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more