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UK vs South Korea CO2 per capita
South Korea overtook United Kingdom in 1997. In 1970 United Kingdom stood at roughly 626% of Korea, Rep.’s CO2 per capita; today the figure is about 37%, and the pair was closest in 1999 (100%).
| Year | United Kingdom | South Korea | South Korea as % of UK |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 1.93 | 12.1 | 626% |
| 1970 | 1.93 | 12.1 | 626% |
| 1980 | 3.71 | 10.81 | 291% |
| 1990 | 6.07 | 10.18 | 168% |
| 2000 | 9.92 | 9.37 | 94% |
| 2010 | 12.37 | 7.98 | 64% |
| 2020 | 11.91 | 4.79 | 40% |
| 2024 | 11.36 | 4.22 | 37% |
Frequently asked questions
When did South Korea pass United Kingdom in CO2 per capita?
In 1997. South Korea’s published CO2 per capita rose above United Kingdom’s that year and the lead has held since.
How do United Kingdom and Korea, Rep. compare today?
South Korea is ahead: 11.36 against 4.22 — the trailing economy stands at about 37% 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: