The graph illustrates the various sources of air pollutants in the United Kingdom from 1990 to 2005.
Overall, it is evident that there was a significant reduction in total air pollutants over the examined period, with industrial emissions demonstrating the most notable decline, while transport emissions remained relatively stable.
In 1990, the total air pollutants measured approximately 7 million tonnes, predominantly attributed to industrial sources, which generated around 5.5 million tonnes. By 2005, this figure had dramatically decreased to just above 4 million tonnes, with industrial emissions plummeting to 2 million tonnes. Households contributed roughly 1 million tonnes both in 1990 and 2005; however, this category also showed a decline when considering the consistent levels of pollutants released over the years.
Conversely, the transport sector initially produced about 2 million tonnes of pollutants in 1990, demonstrating a slight reduction to just below that figure by 2005. Despite this minor decrease, transport emissions have remained relatively stable throughout the period compared to other sources. The data illustrates a clear trend towards decreased air pollution in the UK, largely due to substantial improvements in industrial practices and a gradual decline in household emissions.