This report explores the historical trends, most recent progress and projected future progress on climate change mitigation through reduced GHG emissions, renewable energy gains and improved energy efficiency. It builds upon data reported by the EU-27 Member States, five EEA member countries and nine Contracting Parties of the Energy Community.

This report is an update of "Living in an urban world — global megatrend 2" published in 2010.

The EEA’s first assessment of global megatrends, published in 2010, analysed 11 relevant megatrends, summarising the links between megatrends and Europe's priority environmental challenges and reflecting on possible implications for policymaking.

  • (current) Global megatrends update: 2 Living in an urban world - 24 March 2014