Official Statistics

Carbon footprint for the UK and England to 2021

Updated 15 May 2024

1. Key points

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions associated with UK consumption (UK’s ‘carbon footprint’):

• Between 2020 and 2021, the UK’s carbon footprint is estimated to have risen by 15 per cent. This increase reflects increases in emissions from all activities, but especially in emissions from imported goods.
• The UK carbon footprint peaked at 963 million tonnes (mt) carbon dioxide equivalents (CO₂e) in 2007 and in 2021 was 27 per cent lower than this.
• GHG emissions relating to imports rose 72 per cent from 1996 (there is a little uncertainty around the figures in the source data for 1990 - 1995) to a peak in 2007 and in 2021 were 45 per cent higher than 1996. Emissions associated with imports from China also showed a peak in 2007. In 2021 they were more than double the 1996 level (114 per cent).
• In 2021, emissions relating to the consumption of goods and services produced in the UK were 54 per cent lower than in 1996.
• The findings indicate that the UK’s carbon dioxide footprint rose by 15 per cent between 2020 and 2021.

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions associated with England’s consumption (England’s ‘carbon footprint’):

• Between 2020 and 2021, England’s carbon footprint is estimated to have risen by 14 per cent. This increase reflects increases in emissions from all activities, but especially in emissions from imported goods.
• England’s carbon footprint peaked at 807 million tonnes CO₂e in 2004 and in 2021 was 27 per cent lower than this.
• GHG emissions relating to England’s imports rose 38 per cent from 2001 (when this data series began) to a peak in 2007 and in 2021 were 15 per cent higher than 2001.
• In 2021, emissions relating to the consumption of goods and services produced in England were 49 per cent lower than in 2001.
• The findings indicate that England’s carbon dioxide footprint rose by 13 per cent between 2020 and 2021.

2. Background to the data

The total carbon footprint now includes the seven main Greenhouse Gases comprising: CO₂, Methane (CH₄), Nitrous oxide (N₂O), Hydro-flourocarbons (HFC), Perflurocarbons (PFC), Nitrogen trifluoride (NF₃) and Sulphur hexafluoride (SF₆). The carbon dioxide footprint relates just to CO₂ emissions.

The carbon footprint refers to emissions that are associated with the consumption spending of UK/England residents on goods and services, wherever in the world these emissions arise along the supply chain, and those which are directly generated by UK/English households through private motoring and burning fuel to heat homes. These emissions are often referred to as ‘consumption emissions’ to distinguish them from estimates relating to the emissions ‘produced’ within a country’s territory or economic sphere. To find out what effect UK/England’s consumption has on GHG emissions we need to take into account where the goods we buy come from and their associated supply chains.

Since 1997, the UK economy has continued to move from a manufacturing base towards the services sector. One of the consequences of this is that more of the goods we buy and use are now produced overseas. This statistical release breaks down emissions into: those produced and consumed in the UK/England; those generated by households directly through heating and motoring; and those emissions relating to imports either from China, USA, Europe or the Rest of the World. It excludes emissions arising from UK/England produced goods that are exported.

Inherently the emissions relating to overseas production of imports to the UK/England, often referred to as emissions that are ‘embedded’ in imports, are not as easily measured as emissions generated within the UK borders. There are general conventions on how to do this but the results cannot be viewed as being as robust as the estimates of carbon emissions generated domestically.

Percentage changes presented in this statistical notice are based on unrounded figures.

2.1 Impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on emissions

2020 covered the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the national lockdowns and travel restrictions. This probably had an impact on emissions, especially on emissions from transport generated directly from households and the emissions associated with household spend on air travel, hotels and restaurants

3. Greenhouse Gas emissions associated with consumption

The UK’s total carbon footprint has increased by about 15 per cent between 2020 and 2021.

Figure 1: Greenhouse gas emissions associated with UK consumption 1996 to 2021

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The UK carbon footprint (measured by GHG emissions) peaked in 2007 at 963 mt CO₂e. In 2021 it was 27 per cent lower than the 2007 peak (705 mt CO₂e). Figure 1 shows that the proportion of the total GHG footprint generated directly by UK households has remained between a fifth and a sixth of total emissions (16 and 21 per cent) between 1996 and 2021. In 2021 total greenhouse gas emissions associated with UK consumption directly by households were 16 per cent lower than in 1996. Emissions associated with UK production, were 54 per cent lower in 2021 than 1996 levels. These emissions accounted for 27 per cent of the total UK GHG footprint in 2021. UK production emissions were 189 mt CO₂e in 2021, which was an increase of 13 CO₂e on the 2020 level.

The level of emissions generated directly by households increased to 135 mt CO₂e in 2021. Within the category, emissions from heating have fluctuated around 69 to 97 mt CO₂e, depending upon the severity of the winter. In 2021 emissions from heating were 76 mt CO₂e, which is higher than the 71 mt CO₂e in 2020. Embedded emissions from imports increased by 72 per cent from 1996 to 2007 when they reached a peak. In 2021 they were 381 mt CO₂e which was 16 per cent lower than the peak.

Figure 2: Greenhouse gas emissions associated with England’s consumption 2001 to 2021

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In 2021 total greenhouse gas emissions associated with England’s consumption were 19 per cent lower than in 2001. Figure 2 sets out the changes in each of four main activities that make up the total. Emissions associated with England’s production, were 49 per cent lower in 2021 than 2001 levels. These emissions accounted for 27 per cent of the England’s total GHG footprint in 2021. England’s production emissions were 158 mt CO₂e in 2021, which was an increase on the 2020 level of 149 mt CO₂e.

The level of emissions generated directly by households was 111 mt CO₂e, which was higher than the 103 mt CO₂e in 2020, but similar to 2019. Embedded emissions from imports increased by 38 per cent from 2001 to 2007 when they reached a peak. In 2021 they were 317 mt CO₂e which was 16 per cent lower than the peak.

Figure 3: Breakdown of UK consumption emissions by region of import 1996 to 2021

Notes - Figure 3

RoW - Rest of World

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Figure 3 shows that in 2021, emissions associated with imports from China were 50 mt CO₂e, which is more than double the 1996 level of 23 mt CO₂e. They now account for 13 per cent of the emissions associated with imports, compared to 9 per cent in 1996.

Emissions associated with imports from Europe to the UK increased in 2021 to 128 mt CO₂e, an increase of 24 per cent since 2020. Emissions relating to imports from Europe were 34 per cent of emissions from imports in 2021.

Emissions embedded in imports from the USA accounted for 5 per cent of emissions from imports in 2021, from 12 per cent in 1996. They have decreased by 35 per cent since 1996, from 32 mt CO₂e to 21 mt CO₂e.

Emissions embedded in imports from the Rest of the World accounted for 48 per cent of emissions from imports in 2021, and they have increased by 32 per cent since 1996 to 182 mt CO₂e in 2021.

Figure 4: Breakdown of England’s consumption emissions by region of import 2001 to 2021

Notes - Figure 4

RoW - Rest of World

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Figure 4 shows that in 2021, emissions associated with imports from China to England were 41 mt CO₂e, which is 96 per cent higher than the 2001 level of 21 mt CO₂e. They now account for 13 per cent of the emissions associated with imports, compared to 8 per cent in 2001.

Emissions associated with imports from Europe to England increased in 2021 to 107 mt CO₂e, an increase of 22 per cent from 2020. Emissions relating to imports from Europe were 34 per cent of emissions from imports in 2021.

Emissions embedded in imports from the USA accounted for 5 per cent of emissions from imports in 2021, from 11 per cent in 2001. They have decreased by 44 per cent since 2001.

Emissions embedded in imports from the Rest of the World accounted for 48 per cent of emissions from imports in 2021, and they have increased by 4 per cent since 2001 to 152 mt CO₂e in 2021.

4. Carbon Dioxide emissions associated with consumption

Figure 5 looks at emissions from CO₂ only. CO₂ is the main greenhouse gas, accounting for 75 per cent of total UK consumption emissions in 2021.

Figure 5: UK CO₂ emissions associated with consumption 1996 to 2021

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In 2021, CO₂ accounted for 97 per cent of GHG emissions generated directly by UK households, 78 per cent of the GHG emissions from UK produced goods and services consumed in the UK, and 65 per cent of the GHG emissions embedded in imported goods and services. The total CO₂ emissions were 525 mt CO₂.

Figure 6: England CO₂ emissions associated with consumption 2001 to 2021

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Figure 6 looks at emissions from CO₂ only. CO₂ is the main greenhouse gas, accounting for 75 per cent of total England consumption emissions in 2021. In 2021, CO₂ accounted for 100 per cent of GHG emissions generated directly by England’s households, 78 per cent of the GHG emissions from England produced goods and services consumed in England, and 65 per cent of the GHG emissions embedded in imported goods and services to England. The total CO₂ emissions were 441 mt CO₂.

5. Relationship with other measures of GHG emissions

The UK’s carbon footprint is measured in different ways for different purposes. Each basis of measurement is published by the government. The different bases should be viewed as complementary ways of accounting for carbon emissions.

Territorial basis

Emission estimates are based on the UK greenhouse gas inventory and published by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) – this is used as the basis for our reporting to the EC (European Commission) and United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and forms the basis for reporting on progress towards our domestic and international emissions reduction targets. The inventory measures emissions on a territorial basis, so only includes emissions which occur within the UK’s borders. GHG emissions emitted in international territory, i.e. from international aviation and shipping, are reported as memorandum items.

Production basis

Emissions estimates are reported in the UK Environmental Accounts, published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) - these measure GHG emissions on what is referred to as a “residents” basis, which means that the figures represent emissions produced by UK residents and industry whether in the UK or abroad but exclude emissions within the UK which can be attributed to overseas residents and businesses. International aviation and shipping emissions are allocated to countries based on the operator of the vessel.

Figure 7: Relationship of different measures of the UK’s GHG emissions 1996 to 2021

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Figure 7 shows the relationship between three different measures of GHG emissions relating to the UK. Whilst the carbon footprint has decreased 15 per cent over the time period, emissions on a territorial basis have decreased 46 per cent whilst emissions on a production or residents basis have decreased 39 per cent. The larger reduction in territorial emissions may be due to the UK economy further moving from a manufacturing base to a service base with a greater dependence upon imports and their associated embedded emissions.

For further details on the different measures, please see measuring uk greenhouse gas emissions

6. What you need to know about this release

6.1 Contact details

Responsible statistician: Adele Storr

Email: EnviroStatistics@Defra.gov.uk

Media enquiries: 0330 041 6560 (Defra Press Office) or refer to Defra’s media enquiries page.

6.2 Official Statistics

This is an Official Statistics publication. Our statistical practice is regulated by the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR). OSR sets the standards of trustworthiness, quality and value in the Code of Practice for Statistics that all producers of official statistics should adhere to. You can read about how Official Statistics in Defra comply with these standards on the Defra Statistics website.

You are welcome to contact us directly with any comments about how we meet these standards using the contact details above. Alternatively, you can contact OSR by emailing regulation@statistics.gov.uk or via the OSR website).

6.3 Feedback

We welcome feedback on the data from all users including how and why the data is used. This helps us to understand the value of the statistics to external users. Please see our contact details section of this notice.

6.4 Background to the statistics

The University of Leeds provides estimates of the UK and England’s carbon footprints by an agreement with Defra. The project updates previous work carried out by the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) published by Defra in 2008. It uses a multi-region input-output (MRIO) model, to link the flows of goods and services described in monetary terms, with the emissions generated in the process of production. The latest estimates benefit from recent modelling developments at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) where trade data from their EXIOBASE database feeds directly into the UK model. In brief, this is a sophisticated computer model that can assimilate data on emissions and product flows from different countries and years in different classifications and valuations, dealing with the data gaps and reconciling inconsistencies.

6.5 Revisions

Each year the estimates relating to previous years are subject to revision, as a result of either revisions to the underlying data or because of methodological improvements. There is one methodological change for the 2024 release:

• Introduce data from less detailed analytical tables from 2016-2019 to estimate imports proportions from 2016-2021 rather than taking the 2015 proportion for all years.

In previous versions of the method used to construct the UK MRIO database, the Detailed Analytical tables from 1990, 1995, 2005, 2010, 2013-2015 are used to calculate the proportion of Combined Use table that was domestic. The proportions were used to calculate the total imported use by industry as a row. For the 2024 release, data from the Analytical tables for the years 2016-2019 was introduced to gain a better understanding of imports for these years. Also the 1990 data was taken out, since it was seen as unreliable, meaning that 1995 imports shares are then allocated to the years 1990-1994. The previous method over-estimated the value of imports because they were not based on this basic price total. For more information on this change, please see section 3.5 in the Summary of Methods, published alongside this notice.

The methodology will continue to be improved, which may well lead to further revisions to the past time series.

6.6 Greenhouse gas emissions uncertainty

Defra published research on the uncertainty in the estimates as part of a previous report on consumption-based CO₂ emissions between 1992 and 2004. The research showed that the relative standard error for total CO₂ consumption emissions in any one year lies within the range of 3.3 per cent and 5.5 per cent. Since then, the methodology has become fully developed according to current understanding and science and also uses more up-to-date and reliable financial data, which has reduced the range of errors for the more recent years.

6.7 References

Wiedmann, T., Wood, R., Lenzen, M., Minx, J., Guan, D. and Barrett, J. (2008) Development of an Embedded Carbon Emissions Indicator – Producing a Time Series of Input-Output Tables and Embedded Carbon Dioxide Emissions for the UK by Using a MRIO Data Optimisation System , Report to the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs by Stockholm Environment Institute at the University of York and Centre for Integrated Sustainability Analysis at the University of Sydney, June 2008. Defra, London, UK

Wiedmann, T., Lenzen, M. and Wood, R. (2008) Uncertainty Analysis of the UK-MRIO Model – Results from a Monte-Carlo Analysis of the UK Multi- Region Input-Output Model (Embedded Emissions Indicator), Report to the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs by Stockholm Environment Institute at the University of York and Centre for Integrated Sustainability Analysis at the University of Sydney. Defra, London, UK.

For Production (Residents) Emissions, please see Office for National Statistics Environmental Accounts

For Territorial Emissions, please see UK territorial greenhouse gas emissions national statistics

6.8 Notes

Whilst the research has not been subject to Accredited Official Statistics assessment standards, in other respects the analysis has been conducted in line with the Statistics’ Code of Practice