Known as the location of London's financial district United kingdom It recently achieved an important environmental achievement. The country became the first major global economy to halve carbon dioxide emissions.
Exceptional environmental and economic progress
According to data issued by the British government itself, between 1990 and 2022, carbon dioxide emissions decreased by 50%. At the same time, the British economy witnessed significant growth of 79%. This feat is even more impressive when compared to the environmental progress achieved by other countries such as France, which only managed to reduce its emissions by 23% in the same period.
British success
Britain's success in reducing carbon dioxide emissions did not happen by chance. It is the result of a multifaceted strategy that has included changes in the energy matrix since the beginning of the first decade of the twenty-first century. Coal, a highly polluting fuel, is slowly being replaced in power plants.
In 2012, coal represented 40% of the electricity consumed by Britons. This percentage is expected to reach zero in 2024.
To replace coal, the British government has invested heavily in producing electricity based on renewable energy. Currently, wind, solar and hydropower plants generate 40% of the national electricity. This is a big jump from 2010, when clean energy met just 7% of the UK's needs.
Private investment in clean energy
In addition to government investment, the private sector has made strong contributions to renewable energy production. Companies in the electricity sector announced investments of about 30 billion pounds (equivalent to 190 billion riyals) in non-polluting electricity.
Goals for the future
The UK has ambitious environmental goals for the future. These goals include the intention to make electricity production 100% clean by 2035, produce 80% of new cars with zero emissions by 2030, and install 600,000 electric heaters in homes by 2028.
From these statements and future targets, it is clear the efforts the UK is making to reduce its carbon footprint and contribute positively to the fight against climate change. The question that remains is: With what speed and intensity will other countries follow the same path?
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