Portugal has made progress in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, claims the country’s junior environment minister, but the country is still likely to miss its Kyoto target. Emissions last year were 5% above the country's target, compared to 9% the year before. Under the Kyoto protocol, Portugal is committed to limit its emissions to 27% above 1990 levels. The impact of the current economic downturn however could be significant in reducing greenhouse gas emissions further. Portugal’s neighbour, Spain, also recorded a fall in greenhouse gas emissions in 2008. The decline has been attributed to declining coal-fired power generation and significant growth in renewable energy sources. Nonetheless, Spain is also expected to miss its Kyoto target.