The line graph illustrates the average amount of carbon dioxide emitted per person in several countries from 1967 to 2007.
In 1967, carbon dioxide emissions were more than 10 metric tonnes in the United Kingdom. However, over the following 40 years they slightly fell to 9 in 2007. As for Sweden, at the beginning of the period CO2 emissions were approximately 9 metric tonnes, but in 1977 they hit a peak of over 10 metric tonnes, and then emissions dramatically decreased to less than 6. Both countries experienced a downward trend in CO₂ emissions.
The level of emissions in Italy was 4 metric tonnes, while in Portugal it was over 1 metric tonne in 1967. The amount of CO2 released in Italy rose, overtook Sweden, and reached almost 8 in the end of the period. In Portugal carbon emissions between 1967 and 2007 went up from more than 1 to almost 6. Both countries showed a steady increase, starting from lower levels.
Overall, in 1967, the United Kingdom was the largest emitter of CO2 among the countries shown. By 2007, it still held this position. During this period Portugal was the lowest emitter, but over 40 years it reached the same level as Sweden. In contrast to the UK and Sweden, where emissions fell, Italy’s emissions rose steadily.