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Japan vs UK CO2 per capita
Japan overtook United Kingdom in 1994. In 1970 United Kingdom stood at roughly 147% of Japan’s CO2 per capita; today the figure is about 54%, and the pair was closest in 1998 (100%).
| Year | Japan | United Kingdom | UK as % of Japan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 8.21 | 12.1 | 147% |
| 1970 | 8.21 | 12.1 | 147% |
| 1980 | 8.59 | 10.81 | 126% |
| 1990 | 9.41 | 10.18 | 108% |
| 2000 | 9.8 | 9.37 | 96% |
| 2010 | 9.5 | 7.98 | 84% |
| 2020 | 8.4 | 4.79 | 57% |
| 2024 | 7.84 | 4.22 | 54% |
Frequently asked questions
When did Japan pass United Kingdom in CO2 per capita?
In 1994. Japan’s published CO2 per capita rose above United Kingdom’s that year and the lead has held since.
How do Japan and United Kingdom compare today?
Japan is ahead: 7.84 against 4.22 — the trailing economy stands at about 54% 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: