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China vs UK CO2 per capita
China overtook United Kingdom in 2011. In 1970 United Kingdom stood at roughly 1086% of China’s CO2 per capita; today the figure is about 45%, and the pair was closest in 2012 (100%).
| Year | China | United Kingdom | UK as % of China |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 1.11 | 12.1 | 1086% |
| 1970 | 1.11 | 12.1 | 1086% |
| 1980 | 1.59 | 10.81 | 678% |
| 1990 | 2.13 | 10.18 | 479% |
| 2000 | 2.89 | 9.37 | 324% |
| 2010 | 6.81 | 7.98 | 117% |
| 2020 | 8.48 | 4.79 | 56% |
| 2024 | 9.32 | 4.22 | 45% |
Frequently asked questions
When did China pass United Kingdom in CO2 per capita?
In 2011. China’s published CO2 per capita rose above United Kingdom’s that year and the lead has held since.
How do China and United Kingdom compare today?
China is ahead: 9.32 against 4.22 — the trailing economy stands at about 45% of the leader.
Are these CO2 per capita figures nominal or adjusted?
They are exactly as the World Bank publishes them — metric tons per capita — with no interpolation or estimation for missing years.
Full series
Every published year for both economies, with charts, downloads and citations: