Spotlight
Greenhouse gas emissions intensity, UK: 2020 provisional estimates
What's in the bulletin?
- Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions fell by approximately 13% between 2019 and 2020, to just over 480 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (these estimates are compiled on a residency basis).
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions implemented in the UK in Quarter 1 (Jan to Mar) 2020 are likely to be the main driver of the declines in GHG emissions.
- The transport sector was the biggest contributor to the decline, with GHG emissions falling by 40% between 2019 and 2020.
UK Environmental Accounts: 2021
What's in the bulletin?
- Travel restrictions implemented by the government in 2020 resulted in declines in major environmental taxes income.
- Fuel Duty fell by almost a fifth between 2019 and 2020, to £22.6 billion.
- Revenue from Air Passenger Duty also declined between 2019 and 2020 to £0.9 billion, a fall of 76%.
Three-quarters of adults in Great Britain worry about climate change
Those who are worried about climate change are also more likely to make lifestyle changes in response.
Datasets related to Environmental accounts
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Low carbon and renewable energy economy estimates
This release includes annual estimates of low carbon and renewable energy economy activity in the UK and constituent countries: turnover, employment, exports, imports and number of businesses as published on 29 March 2021. This dataset has been updated and now includes annual estimates of acquisitions and disposals.
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Atmospheric emissions: greenhouse gases by industry and gas
The emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydro-fluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, sulphur hexafluoride, nitrogen trifluoride and total greenhouse gas emissions, by industry (SIC 2007 group - around 130 categories), UK, 1990 to 2019 and (provisional) 2020.
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Energy use: total
The UK's direct use of energy from fossil fuels and other sources (nuclear, net imports, renewables, biofuels and waste and reallocated use of energy by industry (SIC 2007 section - 21 categories), 1990 to 2019.
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Energy use: renewable and waste sources
The UK's energy use from renewable and waste sources, by source (for example, hydroelectric power, wind, wave, solar, and so on) and industry (SIC 2007 section - 21 categories), 1990 to 2019.
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Oil and gas: reserves and resources
Estimates of the UK's remaining recoverable oil and gas reserves and resources, 1995 to 2019.
Publications related to Environmental accounts
Statistical bulletins
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Greenhouse gas emissions intensity, UK: 2020 provisional estimates
Measuring the contribution of the environment to the economy, the impact of economic activity on the environment, and society's response to environmental issues.
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UK Environmental Accounts: 2021
Measuring the contribution of the environment to the economy, the impact of economic activity on the environment, and society's response to environmental issues.
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Woodland natural capital accounts: ecosystem services for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, 2020
Additional information splitting down UK data in the Woodland natural capital accounts, UK: 2020 publication for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Extra data on summary ecosystem services and asset value.
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Tourism and outdoor leisure accounts, natural capital, UK: 2021
In this bulletin we put into practice new methods for estimating the value of tourism and outdoor leisure in the UK.
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Low carbon and renewable energy economy, UK: 2019
Estimates of the size of the UK's green economy from the Low Carbon and Renewable Energy Economy Survey, including turnover, employment, investment and trade.
Articles
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Over half of younger drivers likely to switch to electric in next decade
With the sale of vehicles reliant on fossil fuels set to end by 2030, what barriers exist for drivers to make the switch, and is the necessary infrastructure in place?
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Carbon dioxide emissions and woodland coverage where you live
The levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and woodland coverage vary across the UK. Our interactive maps let you see how your area looks, and how it compares with other areas.
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COVID-19 restrictions cut household emissions
With more people staying at home last year, household greenhouse gas emissions dropped by 10%. Could the shift to home working see lower emissions in the longer term?
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Energy efficiency of housing in England and Wales
Insight on the energy efficiency, environmental impact, carbon dioxide emissions, estimated energy cost and central heating main fuel type for new and existing homes by property type, tenure and property age.
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The UK’s low emission vehicle sector
Data and analysis on the low emission vehicle sector. Looks at employment and turnover for businesses in the UK, for the period 2015 to 2019.
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UK business action on net zero and historical energy use
Data analysis exploring questions on net zero within the Business Insights and Conditions Survey and business input choices.
Looking for local statistics?
A handy guide to let you know where to find local statistics.