The line graph illustrates the amount of individual carbon emissions in four countries over a 40-year period starting from 1967.
Overall, the graph reveals significant variations in carbon emissions among the four countries. Both the United Kingdom and Sweden experienced a downward trend in emissions, whereas Italy and Portugal showed a clear upward trend over the same period.
In 1967, the United Kingdom was the highest emitter, with around 11 metric tonnes of carbon emissions per person. This figure gradually decreased to 9 metric tonnes by 2007, showing a steady decline over the 40 years. Sweden’s emissions started at 9 metric tonnes in 1967, peaking at 10.5 metric tonnes in 1977, before experiencing a sharp decline to 5.5 metric tonnes by 2007.
Conversely, Italy and Portugal demonstrated an increasing trend in carbon emissions. Italy began with 4.2 metric tonnes in 1967, rising to 6 metric tonnes by 1977 and further to 7.5 metric tonnes in 1997, where it plateaued until 2007. Portugal’s emissions started at 1 metric tonne in 1967 and rose significantly to 5 metric tonnes by 1997, maintaining this level through to 2007.