Carbon dioxide emissions in the UK 1990-2022

Carbon dioxide emissions in the United Kingdom totaled 324 million metric tons (MtCO₂) in 2022. This was a decrease of roughly 3.8 percent from 2021, and almost 50 percent when compared to 1990 levels.

Most carbon polluting sector in the UK

Domestic transportation has been the largest source of UK CO₂ emissions since the mid-2010s, and as of 2022 accounted for around one-third of the country's total CO₂ emissions (excluding removals). Electricity supply was the biggest carbon polluter in previous years, but a transition away from coal-fired power toward cleaner energy sources like natural gas and renewables has seen emissions from this sector fall considerably in recent decades. 

Historical UK emissions

While the UK has achieved significant emissions reductions in recent decades, especially when compared to other countries, its historical contributions to global emissions are considerable. Since the Industrial Revolution began, the UK has released almost 80 GtCO₂ into the atmosphere, making it the eighth-biggest carbon polluter in history.