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A report detailing the latest estimates for Northern Ireland’s carbon footprint was published today.

This report provides an overview of Northern Ireland’s carbon footprint from 2001 to 2023, often referred to as consumption-based emissions. It presents both total carbon footprint estimates and emissions per person (per capita). The report examines the composition of emissions associated with the consumption of goods and services by Northern Ireland residents. It also compares the carbon footprint with territorial greenhouse gas emissions to provide additional context on trends over time.

Main results:

• Northern Ireland’s carbon footprint was estimated at 23.0 million tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e) in 2023. The carbon footprint increased by around 2% from 22.5 MtCO2e in 2022, continuing the rise from the series low in 2020.
• Greenhouse gas emissions embedded in imported goods and services into the UK accounted for the largest share of Northern Ireland’s carbon footprint in 2023 at 52%. These import-based emissions were estimated at 12.0 MtCO2e in 2023.
• In 2023, Northern Ireland’s carbon footprint was estimated at 12.0 tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) per person. This was 26% lower than the peak of 16.1 tCO2e per person recorded in 2007. The latest estimate remains above the series low of 10.5 tCO2e per person in 2020.
• Between 2001 and 2023, carbon footprint per person fell by 19%. This compares with a larger decline of 38% in territorial greenhouse gas emissions per person over the same period.

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