UK greenhouse emissions increased by 2% between 2021 and 2022, which was a smaller increase than in 2021 (3%).
In total, UK emissions stood at 512 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (Mt CO2e) in 2022, which is 7% below the pre-coronavirus pandemic level (550 Mt CO2e in 2019).
In 2022, 190 tonnes of CO2e were emitted per million pounds of economic value, which is down by 67% since 1990.
Consumer expenditure holds the biggest correlation with increased UK emissions, responsible for 25% of total greenhouse gas emissions in 2022, followed by the energy sector (16%).
The sector with the highest increase in emissions intensity in 2022 was transport, up 20% from 2021.
Subscribe to Sustainability Beat for free
Sign up here to get the latest sustainability news sent straight to your inbox everyday
“Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is critical to achieving the nations net zero objectives. While it may appear worrying to see two annual increases in emissions recorded, this must be taken in the context of the huge impact of the pandemic in reducing emissions as economic activity came to a near halt,” said Reconomy head of sustainability Diane Crowe.
“Emissions are in fact 7% lower than before the pandemic as the nation, businesses and households continue to take proactive steps to reduce pollution and transition to greener low emission forms of energy.”
“We are making headway but there is a long way to go. Everybody has a part to play in supporting the environment with consumer expenditure accounting for the biggest concentration of emissions.”
She added that she expected to see further increases in green behaviours and an increase focus on resource management.
YouGov data suggests that at least 70% of voters agree that the world’s climate is changing due to human activity, whilst there is pressure (including from within the party) for the government to announce more green policies to appeal to young voters.
