Emissions in the UK - Statistics & Facts

In the mid-1700s, the United Kingdom became the first country in the world to industrialize, kick-starting the Industrial Revolution and ushering in the age of fossil fuels as an energy source. For more than a century the UK accounted for almost all the anthropogenic CO₂ emissions produced worldwide, with carbon-intensive coal fueling its empire. It has continued to produce large amounts of emissions since 1750, and as of 2021, it had released almost 80 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide (GtCO₂) into the atmosphere. This makes the UK the fifth largest CO₂ emitter in history.

Emissions in the UK are falling

Annual greenhouse gas emissions in the UK have fallen by roughly 50 percent since 1990, dropping to a low of 405.5 MtCO₂e in 2020. This substantial decrease was caused by lockdowns and restrictions brought on by the outbreak of COVID-19. While the pandemic had a major impact on emissions in 2020, GHG emissions in the UK were already in decline, with 2021 registering a further decrease compared to 2019 levels. The overall driving factor for the UK’s falling emissions has been the phasing out of coal-fired power and the transition towards renewable sources and natural gas. Coal once fueled the country, but its share in the UK power mix has fallen considerably in recent years. As a result, coal combustion emissions have dropped more than 90 percent compared with 1990 levels.

Sources of UK emissions

The move away from coal use has contributed to UK energy supply emissions falling from 280 MtCO₂e to less than 90 MtCO₂e between 1990 and 2021. Energy supply has historically been the largest source of emissions in the UK, but it was surpassed in 2016 by the transportation sector – which went on to produce 109 MtCO₂e in 2021. Transportation now accounts for roughly 26 percent of GHG emissions, with the energy supply sector accounting for 20.4 percent. The primary greenhouse gas emitted by transportation and energy supply is carbon dioxide, while methane is the most abundant GHG produced by the agriculture and waste sectors.

Reaching net-zero emissions

The UK has been successful in cutting emissions and is now halfway to achieving its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. But to continue this progress and mitigate the impacts of climate change, more needs to be done. As part of the country’s Net Zero Strategy, UK Prime Minister at the time Boris Johnson set a target of all UK electricity coming from clean energy sources by 2035. Carbon capture and storage will also play an essential role, with new projects already planned. Meanwhile, the UK is aiming to cut transportation emissions by ending the sales of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030. UK food emissions will also need to be cut drastically, which will involve a reduction in meat and dairy consumption, as well as reducing food waste.
This text provides general information. Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct. Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date data than referenced in the text.
Published by Ian Tiseo, Mar 31, 2023

Key insights

UK's share of cumulative CO₂ emissions since 1750
4.52%
Total UK CO₂ emissions since 1750
78.5 GtCO₂
London PM2.5 concentration
9.6 μg/m³
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Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Greenhouse gas emissions in the United Kingdom (UK) from 1990 to 2022 (in million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent)

Emissions

Greenhouse gas emissions in the UK 1990-2022

Distribution of greenhouse gas emissions in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2021, by sector

Emissions

Breakdown of greenhouse gas emissions in the UK 2021, by sector

Carbon dioxide emissions in the United Kingdom (UK) from 1990 to 2021 (in million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent)

Emissions

Carbon dioxide emissions in the UK 1990-2021

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