Global CO₂ emissions
The data graph below illustrates the historical trajectory of global CO₂ emissions, showing the distinct contributions from fossil fuels and land-use change.
The data demonstrates the rise of CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels (red) from near-zero levels in 1860 to about 37 billion tons by 2023 while land-use change emissions (green) remain relatively stable. This reflects the world’s growing dependence on fossil fuels for energy and industrial processes and highlights the urgent need for transition to clean energy sources to address CO₂ emissions challenges.
CO₂ is the primary greenhouse gas. The data graph below shows a striking correlation between global CO₂ emissions (red) and temperature anomalies (blue).
CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels steadily increased from near-zero levels in 1860 to about 37 billion tons by 2023. Simultaneously, the global average temperature anomalies demonstrate a parallel upward trend, reaching 1.4 ºC in 2023. This suggests a strong positive correlation between human-induced CO₂ emissions and global warming.
Regional CO₂ emissions
The bar chart below illustrates the differences in CO₂ emissions among the world’s major emitters in 2023.
China dominates global CO₂ emissions with 11.9 billion tons, representing 46% of the total emissions among these top 10 countries. The United States follows with 4.9 billion tons (19% of total), while India ranks third with 3.1 billion tons (12%). However, the United States has accumulated about one-quarter of historical global emissions since the Industrial Revolution.
It is notable that the Asia-Pacific region accounts for the largest share, with China, India, Japan, and Indonesia collectively responsible for over 63% of the emissions. Major oil-producing nations—Iran (0.82 billion tons), Saudi Arabia (0.74 billion tons)—show significant emissions despite smaller populations.
CO₂ emissions by economic sector
The pie chart below shows the distribution of the U.S. CO₂ emissions by economic sector in 2023.
Transportation leads with 39% of total emissions, followed by Electric Power (30%), Industry (20%), and Residential & Commercial sectors (11%), highlighting the major contributors to America’s carbon footprint.