Britain's greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 2% last year.

Britain's greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 2% last year, according to provisional government data released on Thursday, primarily due to a reduction in industrial emissions. The country aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, necessitating a significant rise in renewable energy and a transition to cleaner electric vehicles.

Total greenhouse gas emissions were projected at 367 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent for 2025, a decline of 7 million tons from 2024, as reported by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. The industrial sector experienced the most significant reduction, with emissions down 12% as a result of blast furnace closures in the iron and steel industries, which reduced gas consumption, according to DESNZ. Last year marked the first time in over 140 years that Britain had no coal-fired power generation after the last plant shut down in September 2024. Emissions from the electricity sector decreased by 1%.

In contrast, emissions from the transport sector increased by 2% due to a rise in petrol and diesel consumption. The data indicates that Britain's greenhouse gas emissions have fallen by approximately 54% compared to 1990 levels. To support the net zero objective, Britain has set an interim goal to reduce greenhouse gases by 81% by 2035.