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More than two centuries ago, the United Kingdom become the first country in the world to industrialize. Since then, it has released roughly ** billion metric tons of carbon dioxide (GtCO₂) into the atmosphere, making it one of the biggest emitters in history.

Growth of emissions in the UK

The UK went through a period of rapid industrial activity, and by the mid-nineteenth century, during the peak of the British Empire, it had produced almost **** GtCO₂. By the end of the first world war, the country's cumulative emissions had surpassed ** GtCO₂, and grew to roughly ** GtCO₂ by 1990. 

UK emissions reductions

Britain's industrial age was fueled almost entirely by coal. However, despite its rich history in shaping the country, the UK has been shifting away from this polluting fossil fuel for a number of decades, opting for cleaner energy sources such as nuclear, natural gas, and renewables. This has helped the UK achieve a ** percent reduction in annual COâ‚‚ emissions since 1990, a far greater reduction than many other nations.