The line graph illustrates the per capita carbon dioxide emissions in metric tonnes for the United Kingdom, Sweden, Portugal, and Italy between 1967 and 2007.
Overall, while the UK and Sweden initially had the highest emissions, their levels decreased over the period, with Sweden experiencing the most significant reduction. In contrast, Italy and Portugal saw gradual increases, though they remained below the levels of the other two countries.
In 1967, the UK and Sweden both emitted approximately 11 metric tonnes per person, while Italy recorded only 4 metric tonnes, and Portugal just 1 metric tonne. By 1977, Sweden’s emissions peaked at around 12 metric tonnes, the UK remained stable at 11 metric tonnes, Italy rose to about 6 metric tonnes, and Portugal increased to 2.5 metric tonnes. Over the next decade, Sweden’s emissions dropped markedly to 8 metric tonnes by 1987, while the UK experienced a slight decline to 10 metric tonnes. Italy continued its upward trend to 7 metric tonnes, and Portugal approached 4 metric tonnes.
Between 1987 and 1997, Sweden’s emissions rebounded slightly to 9 metric tonnes, while the UK fell further to 9 metric tonnes, matching Sweden. Italy rose to 8 metric tonnes, and Portugal plateaued at about 5 metric tonnes. By 2007, Sweden’s emissions had fallen sharply to 6 metric tonnes, the UK declined to 9 metric tonnes, Italy remained constant at 8 metric tonnes, and Portugal increased marginally to around 5 metric tonnes.