📉 UK greenhouse gas emissions are at their lowest level since 1879

• The UK's greenhouse gas emissions fell by 5.7 percent in 2023 to the lowest level since 1879.
• The country has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 53 percent since 1990, while its gross national product has increased by 82 percent.
• Coal usage fell to the lowest level since the 1730s.

Emission reductions in 2023

Emissions in the UK decreased to 383 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalents in 2023, which is the first time they have dropped below 400 million tons since the Victorian era. This is a significant reduction of 5.7 percent from the previous year, according to Carbon Brief.

The biggest factor in the emission reduction was an 11 percent decrease in gas usage, which accounted for about two-thirds of the previous year's total decline. This was due to increased electricity imports after the French nuclear fleet recovered, higher outdoor temperatures than usual, and weak underlying demand for energy, which was affected by high prices.

The use of coal in the UK has significantly decreased, by 23 percent last year, to the lowest level since the 1730s.

Long-term positive trend

The UK has now reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 53 percent since 1990, while the country's gross national product has increased by 82 percent.

Many countries have shown for several years now that it is possible to have economic growth while reducing emissions.

Sector changes and future efforts

The transportation sector was the largest single source of emissions, followed by buildings, industry, and agriculture. The energy sector now emits less than agriculture for the first time.

Future efforts will likely need to focus on reducing the use of gas in electricity production, expanding carbon-free energy production, and electrifying transportation.

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