Historical CO₂ emissions in the United Kingdom 1750-2022
More than two centuries ago, the United Kingdom become the first country in the world to industrialize. Since then, it has released more than 78 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide (GtCO₂) into the atmosphere, making it one of the biggest emitters in history.
Growth of emissions in the UK
The UK went through a period of rapid industrial activity, and by the mid-nineteenth century, during the peak of the British Empire, it had produced almost four GtCO₂. By the end of the first world war, the country's cumulative emissions had surpassed 20 GtCO₂, and grew to roughly 63 GtCO₂ by 1990.
UK emissions reductions
Britain's industrial age was fueled almost entirely by coal. However, despite its rich history in shaping the country, the UK 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.
