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4w ago

UK Greenhouse Gas Emissions Fell 3.5% in 2024, Driven by Renewable Energy Gains

The UK achieved a 54.2% reduction in emissions from 1990 levels, but rising emissions in buildings and aviation signal ongoing challenges.

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Steam comes out of chimneys at a chemical works near Redcar, Britain, January 30, 2023. REUTERS/Phil Noble/File Photo
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Overview

  • Provisional figures show the UK emitted 371.4 million tonnes of carbon equivalent in 2024, a 3.5% drop from 2023 levels.
  • Electricity supply and industry sectors drove reductions, with increased renewable energy and electricity imports lowering coal and gas use.
  • The closure of the Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station in September 2024 marked the end of coal-fired electricity in the UK, reducing coal use to its lowest level since 1666.
  • Emissions from buildings rose by 2.3%, attributed to higher gas use as energy costs eased, while aviation emissions increased by 8.6%, returning to pre-Covid levels.
  • Domestic transport remained the highest emitting sector, accounting for 30% of emissions, though it saw a 1.5% decline in 2024.