The provided line graph illustrates the average carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions per individual in four European countries: the United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy, and Portugal, over a 40-year period from 1967 to 2007. Overall, the data reveals a clear divergence in trends, with the UK and Sweden experiencing a significant reduction in per capita emissions, while Italy and Portugal saw their emissions rise over the period. Notably, the UK consistently recorded the highest emissions, though its figures decreased, while Portugal remained the lowest emitter despite a considerable increase. In 1967, the United Kingdom had the highest CO2 emissions, starting at approximately 10.8 metric tonnes per person. This figure gradually declined throughout the period, reaching around 9.5 tonnes in 1997 and further dropping to roughly 8.5 tonnes by 2007. Similarly, Sweden began with relatively high emissions at 8.8 tonnes in 1967, peaking at just over 10 tonnes in 1977. However, Sweden then experienced a dramatic decrease, falling sharply to about 5.8 tonnes by 1997 and remaining stable at approximately 5.5 tonnes in 2007, making it the country with the most significant reduction. Conversely, Italy and Portugal showed upward trends in their CO2 output. Italy's per capita emissions started at around 4.3 tonnes in 1967, showing a general increase to 6.3 tonnes by 1977. After a slight dip and subsequent recovery, Italian emissions stabilised at close to 7.7 tonnes from 1997 to 2007, making it the second-highest emitter by the end of the period. Portugal, which had the lowest emissions throughout, started at a mere 1.3 tonnes in 1967. Its emissions consistently rose, reaching approximately 5.5 tonnes by 2007, which represented the most substantial proportional growth among the four nations, nearly converging with Sweden's figures.
Key Vocabulary