What about china, canada and nigeria? These protect at most half of what the uk does. Coincidentally germany is EU’s largest co2 emitter and a source of highly polluting cars. While it doesnt extract coal or other resources from its own territory it has no issue in using such resources from other countries. So while in absolute numbers it may appear better, overall it’s worse.
Perhaps a cursory check is in order?
The UK has 28% on-land protected areas: https://www.protectedplanet.net/en/country/GBR
Venezuela 57%: https://www.protectedplanet.net/en/country/VEN
Germany has 38%: https://www.protectedplanet.net/en/country/DEU