The UK's CO₂ fell for a record sixth consecutive year in 2018

UK CO₂ Emissions 1850 to 2018 (Source: Carbon Briefs via RenewEconomy)

The Carbon Brief’s analysis shows UK’s CO₂ emissions are continuing to fall and in 2018 they fell to the lowest level since 1888, outside years with strikes (see graph above).

"The estimated 1.5% reduction was once again driven by falling coal use, down 16% compared to a year earlier, whereas oil and gas use were largely unchanged."

“Notably, coal CO₂ emissions now make up just 7% of the UK total. This small share will shrink even further as coal-fired power stations continue to close ahead of a 2025 phase out deadline. Only 5% of UK electricity generation in 2018 was from coal, a record low.”

“Since 1990, the UK has cut its emissions faster than any other major economy in the world, even as its GDP has continued to grow. Recent Carbon Brief analysis suggests reduced energy demand and a shift to cleaner sources of electricity explain most of the CO₂ reductions since 1990.”

Read more: UK shows how climate action [is] done, with cuts to emissions for six years in a row. RenewEconomy, March 6 2019.