A recent report from the European Environment Agency, a watchdog group, confirms that several countries are making good on their promises to reduce emissions and switch over to green energy.

The AFP reports:

By the end of 2012, the EU had reduced its output of heat-trapping greenhouse gases by nearly 18 percent compared to the benchmark year of 1990.

"It is already close to the target of 20-percent emissions reduction by 2020," the European Environment Agency (EEA) said in a report.

The EU is also on track to meet a goal of having renewable sources account for 20 percent of energy consumption in 2020.

As of 2011, renewables accounted for 13 percent, above the EU's mid-way target of 11.7 percent for 2011 and 2012.

However, the picture is less rosy for the EU's third objective for 2020, of securing a 20-percent gain in energy efficiency.

Only four members — Bulgaria, Denmark, France and Germany — "are making good progress," said the report.