In a promising sign for the future of the planet, the UK has seen its 2024 emissions fall to their lowest levels since 1872. This marks a 54% reduction from 1990 levels, all while the country’s economy has grown by 84%. While more progress is needed to meet the UK’s net-zero target by 2050, this milestone offers hope that significant change is possible.

How did the UK achieve this impressive reduction in emissions? A key factor has been the decline in coal use. With the closure of the last coal power plants in Wales and England, the UK is now using less coal than it has since 1666. This shift has been crucial in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Additionally, the demand for electric vehicles has surged, with a 40% increase in electric cars on the road in 2024 alone. There are now 1.4 million electric cars, over 70,000 electric vans, and more than 800,000 hybrid vehicles in the UK. These changes, alongside other factors, have played a significant role in the reduction of emissions.

While the UK’s Climate Change Committee has called for even more ambitious emissions cuts to meet future climate targets, these positive trends show that progress is being made in the fight against climate change.

Photo: arbyreed via Flickr