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Economic and Energy Assessment of Emissions from European Agriculture: A Comparative Analysis of Regional Sustainability and Resilience

Author

Listed:
  • Lilia Șargu

    (National Institute for Economic Research, Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova, 45 Ion Creanga Street, MD-2064 Chisinau, Moldova)

  • Gabriela Ignat

    (Faculty of Agriculture, “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iasi University of Life Sciences, Mihail Sadoveanu Alley, 700489 Iasi, Romania)

  • Angela Timuș

    (National Institute for Economic Research, Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova, 45 Ion Creanga Street, MD-2064 Chisinau, Moldova)

  • Ioan Prigoreanu

    (Faculty of Agriculture, “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iasi University of Life Sciences, Mihail Sadoveanu Alley, 700489 Iasi, Romania)

  • Nicu Șargu

    (Faculty of Finance, Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova, 61 Banulescu-Bodoni Street, 61 Banulescu-Bodoni Street, MD-2005 Chisinau, Moldova)

Abstract

This study analyzes the economic and energy dimensions of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from agriculture at the European level, making a regional comparison for the period 2000–2022. The research assesses the sustainability and resilience of agricultural systems through regional comparisons, analyzing emissions at the farm and agricultural land level using indicators such as emissions per capita, emissions relative to economic value and emissions per hectare of agricultural land, providing insights into the disparities between Eastern, Northern, Southern and Western European regions. The results reveal significant variations in emissions intensity and sustainability practices between regions, with Northern Europe showing the highest emissions per unit due to intensive agriculture, Southern and Eastern Europe showing lower emissions influenced by climatic conditions and economic transitions, and Western Europe showing a balance between agricultural intensification and sustainability due to early adoption of advanced technologies. The study underlines the importance of adapting regional strategies to increase sustainability and energy resilience in agriculture, providing valuable insights for integrating renewable energy sources, optimizing resource use and implementing targeted policies to reduce emissions.

Suggested Citation

  • Lilia Șargu & Gabriela Ignat & Angela Timuș & Ioan Prigoreanu & Nicu Șargu, 2025. "Economic and Energy Assessment of Emissions from European Agriculture: A Comparative Analysis of Regional Sustainability and Resilience," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-24, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:6:p:2582-:d:1612736
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    References listed on IDEAS

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