UK Emissions in 2023 Drop to Lowest Level Since the Victorian Era

The UK’s greenhouse gas emissions dropped by 5.7% in 2023, reaching their lowest level since 1879, according to Carbon Brief analysis. Emissions fell to 383 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (MtCO2e), the first time below 400MtCO2e since Victorian times.

Key findings:

• Emissions are now 53% below 1990 levels, despite an 82% rise in GDP.The 2023 drop was mainly due to an 11% decline in gas demand, driven by higher electricity imports, mild weather, and high prices.Coal use fell 23% to its lowest since the 1730s as most remaining coal plants closed.Transport was the largest emitting sector, followed by buildings, industry, agriculture, and electricity.

While the 23MtCO2e reduction exceeded the annual target needed for net-zero by 2050, it was largely unplanned. Future cuts must focus on transport, buildings, industry, and agriculture.

Sectoral insights:

• Gas demand hit its lowest since the 1980s, largely due to increased electricity imports and mild weather.UK nuclear output fell 15% due to plant closures and maintenance.Coal power, which made up 40% of electricity in 2012, accounted for just 1% in 2023.Transport emissions remained high, with efficiency gains offset by increased traffic.Buildings saw reductions due to high energy costs rather than efficiency improvements.

Economic impact:

Despite emissions cuts, the economy stagnated, growing just 0.4% in 2023. The UK has decoupled emissions from economic growth, but further reductions may be harder to achieve without stronger policies.

Challenges ahead:

With coal nearly phased out and power sector emissions declining, future reductions must target gas use, transport electrification, and heating efficiency. Government policy shifts on EVs and heat pumps could hinder progress, while reliance on surplus emissions cuts from past years risks weakening climate targets.The UK must maintain ambition and implement long-term strategies to meet its net-zero goal by 2050.

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