This table provides metadata for the actual indicator available from UK statistics closest to the corresponding global SDG indicator. Please note that even when the global SDG indicator is fully available from UK statistics, this table should be consulted for information on national methodology and other UK-specific metadata information.
| Indicator available | |
|---|---|
| Indicator description |
Total greenhouse gas emissions that occur within the UK’s borders. |
| Geographical coverage |
United Kingdom |
| Unit of measurement |
Million tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e) |
| Definitions |
Carbon dioxide equivalent units - In accordance with international reporting and carbon trading protocols, each of these gases are weighted by their global warming potential (GWP), so that total greenhouse gas emissions can be reported on a consistent basis (in carbon dioxide equivalent units). The GWP (Global Warming Potential) of a greenhouse gas measures its effectiveness in global warming over 100 years relative to carbon dioxide. The GWPs used are from Working Group 1 of the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report - Climate Change 2007. Net CO2 emissions - Total carbon dioxide emissions minus carbon dioxide removals. |
| Available disaggregations |
Further breakdowns, including fuel type, source sector, and end-user sector are available in the UK greenhouse gas emissions final figures source data. |
| Calculations | |
| Other information |
Figures shown here do not include data for the Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories, however, those data are available in the UK greenhouse gas emissions final figures. See the UK greenhouse gas emissions background quality report for information on quality and methodology. The figures presented here do not include estimates of emissions outside the UK associated with UK consumption, however the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) publishes estimates of the UK’s carbon footprint annually. Emissions as measured by the UK Environmental Accounts, published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) measure greenhouse gas emissions on what is referred to as a “residents” basis. This means that the figures represent emissions caused by UK residents and industry whether in the UK or abroad, but exclude emissions within the UK that can be attributed to overseas residents and businesses. The Final UK greenhouse gas emissions national statistics - 1990 to 2020 statistical release includes an outline of the differences between the three approaches.Uncertainty levels for the UK estimates shown here can be found in table 4.1 of the UK greenhouse gas emissions final figures.Provisional estimates for 2021 are available in the UK territorial greenhouse gas emissions national statistics collection. Data follows the UN specification for this indicator. This indicator has been identified in collaboration with topic experts. |
| Data last updated | 08 July 2022 |
| Metadata last updated | 08 July 2022 |