What is UK contribution to global CO2 emissions?
In 2019, net greenhouse gas emissions in the United Kingdom (UK) were 454.8 million tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (CO 2e), of which 80% was carbon dioxide (CO 2). UK cumulative emissions are about 3% of the world total.
In 2020, net territorial greenhouse gas emissions in the UK were estimated to be 405.5 million tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e), a decrease of 9.5% compared to the 2019 figure of 447.9 million tonnes and 49.7% lower than they were in 1990. Carbon dioxide made up around 79% of the 2020 total.
| Rank | Country | CO2 emissions (total) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | China | 235,527MT |
| 3 | Russia | 115,335MT |
| 4 | Germany | 92,636MT |
| 5 | United Kingdom | 78,161MT |
- The United States. The U.S. is the largest emitter of CO2, with approximately 416,738 metric tons of total carbon dioxide emissions by 2020. ...
- China. China is the second-largest emitter of carbon dioxide gas in the world, with 235,527 metric tons by 2020. ...
- The Russian Federation. ...
- Germany. ...
- The United Kingdom.
Not least as our rapid emissions cuts since 1990 have come alongside rapid economic growth. Going back to 'the UK only accounts for 1% of annual global emissions; what about China?
The UK is more responsible for global warming than any other country – if global carbon dioxide emissions are allocated using per capita calculations. Based on this formula, the UK is rated the world's top carbon polluter, followed closely by the USA, Canada, Russia and Germany.
The largest source of greenhouse gas emissions from human activities in the United States is from burning fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation. EPA tracks total U.S. emissions by publishing the Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks.
Households and the energy, manufacturing and transport sectors were the top four contributors to UK greenhouse gas emissions in 2019. These accounted for over 72% of the total emissions for the UK.
The world can look at these developed countries to lead the initiatives for lowering CO2 emissions. China has the highest level of CO2 emissions, producing 11.535 gigatons of CO2 emissions in 2019, followed by the United States with 5.243 gigatons.
The top 10 largest emitter countries account for 67.6% of the world total. Since 2006, China has been emitting more CO 2 than any other country, but all being equal, to make a fair comparison of contributions, emissions in terms of CO 2 per person have to be made as China also has the world's largest population.
Who is the blame for climate change?
Rich countries, including the United States, Canada, Japan and much of western Europe, account for just 12 percent of the global population today but are responsible for 50 percent of all the planet-warming greenhouse gases released from fossil fuels and industry over the past 170 years.
- China — 9,877.
- United States — 4,745.
- India — 2,310.
- Russia — 1,640.
- Japan — 1,056.
- Germany — 644.
- South Korea — 586.
- Iran — 583.
China, the United States, and the nations that make up the European Union are the three largest emitters on an absolute basis. Per capita greenhouse gas emissions are highest in the United States and Russia.
It covers the period 1990 to 2019. Transport produced 27% of the UK's total emissions in 2019. Of this, the majority (91%) came from road transport vehicles (111 MtCO2e).
Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the UK are provisionally estimated to have increased by 6.3% in 2021 from 2020, to 341.5 million tonnes (Mt), and total greenhouse gas emissions by 4.7% to 424.5 million tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e).
In 2019, 27% of net greenhouse gas emissions in the UK were estimated to be from the transport sector, 21% from energy supply, 17% from business, 15% from the residential sector and 10% from agriculture.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the UK are provisionally estimated to have increased by 6.3% in 2021 from 2020, to 341.5 million tonnes (Mt), and total greenhouse gas emissions by 4.7% to 424.5 million tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e).
Households and the energy, manufacturing and transport sectors were the top four contributors to UK greenhouse gas emissions in 2019. These accounted for over 72% of the total emissions for the UK.
Burning fossil fuels to make electricity is the biggest source of carbon emissions in the UK, which makes it vital that we phase out fossil fuels as quickly as possible, moving towards a 100% renewable future by 2050.
This means our homes have an important part to play in meeting the 2030 emissions reductions in the Fifth Carbon Budget. for the average home.
