The UK sees a significant decrease in greenhouse gas emissions in 2023, driven by reduced gas consumption amid high energy prices, with environmental campaigners calling for more action.
In 2023, the United Kingdom witnessed a significant decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, amounting to a 5.4% reduction from the previous year, with total emissions reaching 384.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. According to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), this decline was majorly influenced by reduced gas consumption across various sectors due to high energy prices.
The electricity sector reported a remarkable decrease of 19.6% in emissions, partly attributed to a drop in domestic fossil fuel power production and supplemented by increased energy imports from France and a rise in nuclear power output. This sector’s gas power generation saw a 21.1% decrease. In addition, the buildings sector and product uses experienced a 6.2% emissions reduction, primarily driven by lower gas usage for heating purposes amid soaring energy costs.
The industrial sector also witnessed an 8.0% fall in emissions, with a notable decline in fuel usage within the iron and steel manufacturing industry. Meanwhile, transport emissions saw a more modest decrease of 1%.
Overall, the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions specifically saw a 6.6% reduction in 2023, contributing to a significant 49.8% total reduction since 1990. Despite these encouraging figures, environmental campaigners and organizations like Greenpeace UK have called for more concerted efforts from the government. They advocate for prioritizing measures like better insulation, the adoption of heat pumps, an increase in public transport, and a continued shift towards renewable energy sources to further support the transition to a low-carbon economy and meet the UK’s international obligations and carbon budgets by 2030.
Acknowledging the achievements, Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho highlighted the parallel growth of the UK’s economy by 80% alongside the reduction in emissions. However, she also emphasized the need for ongoing policy interventions to address persisting high emissions, particularly in the buildings and transport sectors, to sustain momentum towards meeting climate targets effectively.
