The British Government has announced that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the UK have increased by 5% in 2021 to reach 427 MtCO2eq (405.5 MtCO2eq in 2020). However, 2021 emissions were still 5.3% lower than the reported level in 2019, as 2020 levels were particularly low due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. 2021 GHG emissions were 48% lower than 1990 emissions.
GHG emissions from the transport sector rose 10% in 2021, accounting for around half of the overall increase from 2020, while emissions from the residential sector increased by 6% and emissions from industry rose by 3%. Transport was the largest emitting sector, responsible for 26% of all GHG emissions in the UK, followed by industry (20%), services (18%), residential (16%) and agriculture (11%).
The UK plans to reduce its GHG emissions by 68% in 2030 compared to 1990 levels and plans to become carbon neutral by 2050.