The line graph illustrates how many metric tonnes of carbon dioxide were emitted per person in four countries (Ireland, Sweden, France, and Spain) from 1970 to 2010.
Overall, emissions in Ireland, Sweden, and France experienced a decrease over the period given, whereas Spanish emissions rose. At the beginning of the period, Sweden recorded the highest average emissions, while France registered the lowest emissions by the end.
Starting at 14 metric tonnes in 1970, Sweden experienced a dramatic fall, reaching a low of just under 10 metric tonnes in 1990. After this year, the figure decreased more slightly, ending at roughly 8.5 metric tonnes in 2010. In contrast, Spain started at only 4 metric tonnes in 1970, but this figure climbed steadily to reach nearly 8 metric tonnes by the end of the period.
Ireland and France followed more fluctuating patterns. Emissions from Ireland, starting at 8.5 metric tonnes in 1970, rose to reach a peak of 11 metric tonnes in 1990. From that year onwards, the figure fell to end at 8 metric tonnes. Similarly, the figure for France, after a slight increase in the first decade, decreased significantly, reaching a low of 6 metric tonnes by the end.
