Northern Ireland carbon footprint rises to 23 million tonnes
Northern Ireland’s carbon footprint increased by around 2% in 2023, according to newly published official figures.
The Department for the Economy estimates the carbon footprint associated with goods and services consumed by Northern Ireland residents reached 23 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2023.
That compares with 22.5 million tonnes in 2022 and continues an increase from the series low recorded during 2020.
Imported goods account for more than half of emissions
Greenhouse gas emissions embedded in goods and services imported into the UK accounted for the largest share of Northern Ireland’s carbon footprint.
They represented 52% of the total during 2023, equivalent to an estimated 12 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.
The carbon-footprint measure differs from territorial emissions because it seeks to account for emissions generated throughout the supply chains of goods and services consumed by Northern Ireland residents, including emissions produced overseas.
Carbon footprint per person down from 2007 peak
Northern Ireland’s carbon footprint was estimated at 12 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per person during 2023.
That was 26% below the peak of 16.1 tonnes per person recorded in 2007, although it remained above the 2020 series low of 10.5 tonnes.
Between 2001 and 2023, Northern Ireland’s carbon footprint per person fell by 19%.
Over the same period, territorial greenhouse gas emissions per person decreased by 38%.
The figures form part of a new Department for the Economy statistical report covering Northern Ireland’s carbon footprint between 2001 and 2023.