UK sees 4% drop in carbon emissions as gas and coal use declines
The United Kingdom’s greenhouse gas emissions dropped 4% in 2024, driven by lower fossil fuel use in power generation and industry, according to new government data.
Damien Gayle reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- The UK emitted 371 million metric tons of carbon equivalent in 2024, down from 385 million in 2023 — a 54% reduction from 1990 levels.
- Emissions from electricity supply fell 15%, while industrial emissions dropped 9%, helped by the shutdown of the last coal-fired power station and a shift toward renewables and imports.
- Transport remained the largest emissions source at 30% of the total, but diesel car use declined slightly; emissions from buildings rose 2% due to increased gas heating.
Key quote:
“This good news is the latest demonstration that the UK’s efforts to tackle climate change are working, despite what some politicians on the right might try and make you believe.”
— Doug Parr, policy director of Greenpeace UK
Why this matters:
The UK's shift away from coal and its gradual decline in natural gas use have led to measurable emissions drops — an encouraging sign that energy transitions can produce quick national results. But those gains are tempered by stubborn emissions from transportation and heating, two sectors still largely dependent on fossil fuels. Britain’s experience is a reminder that while targeted energy reforms can drive change, reducing emissions across the board — and making that reduction last — is far more difficult when entire sectors lag behind.
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