Carbon emissions down 2.6%

Average carbon dioxide emissions from new cars sold in the EU fell 2.6% last year, beating goals set for 2015 as part of efforts to slow climate change, according to the European Environment Agency (EEA).

Average emissions slipped to 123.4 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre, below a 2015 goal of 130 grams that was already reached in 2013 with 126.7 grams, the Copenhagen-based EEA said in a report.

The most carbon-efficient cars were bought in the Netherlands, Greece and Portugal, with the least efficient in Estonia, Latvia and Bulgaria, it said. The EU has set a goal of 95 grams per km by 2021 to help limit global warming.