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UK vs Spain CO2 per capita
Spain overtook United Kingdom in 2017. In 1970 United Kingdom stood at roughly 286% of Spain’s CO2 per capita; today the figure is about 94%, and the pair was closest in 2019 (100%).
| Year | United Kingdom | Spain | Spain as % of UK |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 4.22 | 12.1 | 286% |
| 1970 | 4.22 | 12.1 | 286% |
| 1980 | 5.68 | 10.81 | 190% |
| 1990 | 5.9 | 10.18 | 172% |
| 2000 | 7.65 | 9.37 | 123% |
| 2010 | 6.18 | 7.98 | 129% |
| 2020 | 4.53 | 4.79 | 106% |
| 2024 | 4.51 | 4.22 | 94% |
Frequently asked questions
When did Spain pass United Kingdom in CO2 per capita?
In 2017. Spain’s published CO2 per capita rose above United Kingdom’s that year and the lead has held since.
How do United Kingdom and Spain compare today?
Spain is ahead: 4.51 against 4.22 — the trailing economy stands at about 94% 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: