Northern Ireland’s Carbon Footprint: 2001 to 2023
Date published:
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.
The full report is available on the DfE website.
Upcoming Releases
Northern Ireland’s Material Footprint: 2001 to 2023 statistical publication is scheduled for release on Wednesday 21st October 2026.
Notes to editors:
1. Carbon footprint estimates the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the consumption of goods and services by Northern Ireland residents. It includes emissions generated overseas in supply chains.
2. The publication supports monitoring of the carbon footprint indicator within the Decarbonisation priority of the Department for the Economy Business Plan 2025-26. These figures will also be reported through the Environmental Improvement Plan under Strategic Environmental Outcome 5 - Zero Waste & Highly Developed Circular Economy.
3. The analysis within this report draws on carbon footprint estimates produced by the University of Leeds, alongside other official greenhouse gas emissions statistics. The further information section of the statistical report provides more information on the data sources and measures.
4. Supplementary tables containing the data used in this publication are available on the DfE website.
5. General information on the report can be obtained from Jennifer McLoughlin, DfE Analytical Services by email at energystatistics@economy-ni.gov.uk or by telephone on 028 9052 9228.
6. For media enquiries contact the Department for the Economy Press office at pressoffice@economy-ni.gov.uk.
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