Historical CO2 emissions in the United Kingdom 1750-2020

More than two centuries ago the United Kingdom kickstarted the industrial revolution, becoming the first country in the world to industrialize. When the industrial revolution began in 1750, the UK had released approximately 9.4 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (MtCO2) into the atmosphere. Within just 10 years, this had increased to more than 100 MtCO2. Industrial activity continued at a rapid pace, and by the mid-nineteenth century, during the peak of the British Empire and the end of the first industrial revolution, this figure had increased to more than three GtCO2.

Emissions from WW1 to present

By the end of the second industrial revolution - just before the end of the first world war - great technological advances in chemicals, manufacturing, electricity, and automobiles saw total historical CO2 emissions in the UK surpass 20 billion metric tons. Despite annual CO2 emissions in the UK decreasing in recent decades, the country has emitted more than 78 GtCO2 since 1750. This represents approximately five percent of historical global emissions, making it the fifth biggest carbon polluter in history. In Europe, only Germany has produced more carbon dioxide emissions than the UK.

Shift away from coal

Britain's industrial age was fueled almost entirely by coal. However, despite its rich history in shaping the country, the United Kingdom has been shifting away from this polluting fossil fuel for a number of decades, opting for cleaner energy sources such as nuclear, natural gas, and renewables. This has helped the UK achieve a 40 percent reduction in annual CO2 emissions since 1990, a far greater reduction than many other nations.