Global carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels and industry totaled 37.01 billion metric tons (GtCO₂) in 2023. Emissions are projected to have risen 1.08 percent in 2024 to reach a record high of 37.41 GtCO₂. Since 1990, global CO₂ emissions have increased by more than 60 percent. Who are the biggest emitters? The biggest contributor to global GHG emissions is China, followed by the United States. China wasn't always the world's biggest emitter, but rapid economic growth and industrialization in recent decades have seen emissions there soar. Since 1990, CO₂ emissions in China have increased by almost 450 percent. By comparison, U.S. CO₂ emissions have fallen by 6.1 percent. Nevertheless, the North American country remains the biggest carbon polluter in history. Global events cause emissions to drop The outbreak of COVID-19 caused global CO₂ emissions to plummet some 5.5 percent in 2020 as a result of lockdowns and other restrictions. However, this wasn't the only time in recent history when a major global event caused emissions reductions. For example, the global recession resulted in CO₂ levels to fall by almost two percent in 2009, while the recession in the early 1980s also had a notable impact on emissions. On a percentage basis, the largest annual reduction was at the end of the Second World War in 1945, when emissions decreased by 17 percent.

Emissions by Country

Quantifying Sources and Emission Levels

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About this dataset

This dataset provides an in-depth look into the global CO2 emissions at the country-level, allowing for a better understanding of how much each country contributes to the global cumulative human impact on climate. It contains information on total emissions as well as from coal, oil, gas, cement production and flaring, and other sources. The data also provides a breakdown of per capita CO2 emission per country - showing which countries are leading in pollution levels and identifying potential areas where reduction efforts should be concentrated. This dataset is essential for anyone who wants to get informed about their own environmental footprint or conduct research on international development trends

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How to use the dataset

This dataset provides a country-level survey of global fossil CO2 emissions, including total emissions, emissions from coal, oil, gas, cement, flaring and other sources as well as per capita emissions.

For researchers looking to quantify global CO2 emission levels by country over time and understand the sources of these emissions this dataset can be a valuable resource.

The data is organized using the following columns: Country (the name of the country), ISO 3166-1 alpha-3 (the three letter code for the country), Year (the year of survey data), Total (the total amount of CO2 emitted by the country in that year), Coal (amount of CO2 emitted by coal in that year), Oil (amount emitted by oil) , Gas (amount emitted by gas) , Cement( amount emitted by cement) , Flaring(flaring emission levels ) and Other( other forms such as industrial processes ). In addition there is also one extra column Per Capita which provides an insight into how much personal carbon dioxide emission is present in each Country per individual .

To make use of these columns you can aggregate sum up Total column for a specific region or help define how much each source contributes to Total column such as how many percent it accounts for out of 100 or construct dashboard visualizations to explore what sources are responsible for higher level emission across different countries similar clusters or examine whether individual countries Focusing on Flaring — emissions associated with burning off natural gas while drilling—can improve overall Fossil Fuel Carbon Emission profiles better understanding of certain types nuclear power plants etc.

The main purpose behind this dataset was to facilitate government bodies private organizations universities NGO's research agencies alike applying analytical techniques tracking environment changes linked with influence cross regions providing resources needed analyze process monitor developing directed ways managing efficient ways get detailed comprehensive verified information

With insights gleaned from this dataset one can begin identify strategies efforts pollutant mitigation climate change combat etc while making decisions centered around sustainable developments with continent wide unified plans policy implementations keep an eye out evidences regional discrepancies being displayed improving quality life might certainly seem likely assure task easy quickly done “Global Fossil Carbon Dioxide Emissions:Country Level Survey 2002 2022 could exactly what us

Research Ideas

• Using the per capita emissions data, develop a reporting system to track countries' progress in meeting carbon emission targets and give policy recommendations for how countries can reach those targets more quickly.
• Analyze the correlation between different fossil fuel sources and CO2 emissions to understand how best to reduce CO2 emissions at a country-level.
• Create an interactive map showing global CO2 levels over time that allows users to visualize trends by country or region across all fossil fuel sources

Acknowledgements

If you use this dataset in your research, please credit the original authors. Data Source

License

License: CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) - Public Domain Dedication No Copyright - You can copy, modify, distribute and perform the work, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. See Other Information.

Columns

File: GCB2022v27_MtCO2_flat.csv | Column name | Description ...

This CO2 and Greenhouse Gas Emissions dataset is a collection of key metrics maintained by Our World in Data. It is updated regularly and includes data on CO2 emissions (annual, per capita, cumulative and consumption-based), other greenhouse gases, energy mix, and other relevant metrics.

For further details, please refer to https://github.com/owid/co2-data

In 2023, China was the biggest carbon polluter in the world by far, having released 11.9 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide (GtCO₂). Although the U.S. was the second-biggest emitter, with 4.9 GtCO₂ in 2023, its CO₂ emissions have declined by 13 percent since 2010. By comparison, China’s CO₂ emissions have increased by more than 38 percent in the same period. Cumulative emissions Although China is currently the world's largest carbon polluter, the U.S. has released far more historical carbon dioxide emissions, at more than 400 GtCO₂ since 1750. The wide gap between the two countries is because China's emissions have mostly been produced in the past two decades. Combined, the U.S. and China account for roughly 40 percent of cumulative CO₂ emissions since the Industrial Revolution began. Sources of emissions One of the largest sources of global CO₂ emissions is the power sector, with electricity produced by coal-fired power plants a significant contributor. In China, emissions from coal-fired electricity generation have soared since the turn of the century, and reached 5.2 GtCO₂ in 2023.

In 2023, global carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel combustion and industrial processes reached a record high of 37.8 billion metric tons (GtCO₂). Global CO₂ emissions are projected to have reached record levels in 2024. The world has pumped more than 1,800 GtCO₂ into the atmosphere since the industrial revolution began, though almost 45 percent has been produced since 2000. What is carbon dioxide? CO₂ is a colorless, naturally occurring gas that is released after people and animals inhale oxygen. It is a greenhouse gas, meaning it absorbs and releases thermal radiation which in turn creates the “greenhouse effect”. In addition to other greenhouse gases, CO₂ is also a major contributor to the ability of the Earth to maintain a habitable temperature. Without CO₂ and other greenhouse gases, Earth would be too cold to live on. However, while CO₂ alone is not a harmful gas, the abundance of it is what causes climate change. The increased use of electricity, transportation, and deforestation in human society have resulted in the increased emissions of CO₂, which in turn has seen a rise in earth’s temperature. In fact, around 70 percent of global warming since 1851 is attributable to CO₂ emissions from human activities. Who are the largest emitters worldwide? China is the biggest carbon polluter worldwide, having released almost 12 GtCO₂ in 2023. This was more than the combined emissions of the United States and India, the second and third-largest emitters that year, respectively.

United States US: CO2 Emissions data was reported at 5,254,279.285 kt in 2014. This records an increase from the previous number of 5,159,160.972 kt for 2013. United States US: CO2 Emissions data is updated yearly, averaging 4,823,403.118 kt from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2014, with 55 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 5,789,727.291 kt in 2005 and a record low of 2,880,505.507 kt in 1961. United States US: CO2 Emissions data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.World Bank.WDI: Environment: Pollution. Carbon dioxide emissions are those stemming from the burning of fossil fuels and the manufacture of cement. They include carbon dioxide produced during consumption of solid, liquid, and gas fuels and gas flaring.; ; Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center, Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Tennessee, United States.; Gap-filled total;

Monaco Total CO2 Emissions: Tonnes of CO2 Equivalent per Year: Processes data was reported at 19.444 Tonne mn in 2023. This records a decrease from the previous number of 19.974 Tonne mn for 2022. Monaco Total CO2 Emissions: Tonnes of CO2 Equivalent per Year: Processes data is updated yearly, averaging 29.033 Tonne mn from Dec 1970 (Median) to 2023, with 54 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 42.605 Tonne mn in 1973 and a record low of 19.444 Tonne mn in 2023. Monaco Total CO2 Emissions: Tonnes of CO2 Equivalent per Year: Processes data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by European Commission’s Directorate-General for Joint Research Centre. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Monaco – Table MC.DG JRC.EDGAR: Environmental: Greenhouse Gas Emissions: CO2 Emissions: Annual. The data is combination of France and Monaco.

This data product is a time series of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions from fossil fuel combustion and cement manufacture. Estimates of CO2 emissions are included for the globe and by nation back to 1751, and include emissions from solid fuel consumption, liquid fuel consumption, gas fuel consumption, cement production, and gas flaring. Per capita CO2 emissions and emissions from international trade (bunker fuels) are included as well; bunker fuels are not included in country totals, but are assigned to the country in which loading took place. Estimates are generated using the United Nations Energy Statistics database and the United States Geologic Survey’s cement statistics. Datasets produced from this group at Appalachian State University are located here, and are also located at https://energy.appstate.edu/research/work-areas/cdiac-appstate. Historic CDIAC data from Oak Ridge National Laboratory are located here: https://data.ess-dive.lbl.gov/view/doi:10.3334/CDIAC/00001_V2017. This dataset is the foundational dataset for the annual global carbon budget and other carbon cycle analyses that need relevant fossil fuel CO2 data. Within this data package are spreadsheets (.csv) of global and national estimates of CO2 emissions as well as text files of the ranking of each country’s total CO2 emissions and per capita for that year.

This API provides data back to 1990 and projections annually, monthly, and quarterly for 18 months. Summarizes CO2 emissions from coal, fossil fuels, natural gas, and petroleum and other liquid fuels.Users of the EIA API are required to obtain an API Key via this registration form: http://www.eia.gov/beta/api/register.cfm

This dataset contains CO2 Emissions by sectors for 2020. Follow datasource.kapsarc.org for timely data to advance energy economics research. Notes:Note: The IEA Greenhouse gas emissions from energy product replaces the IEA CO2 emissions from fuel combustion product, with expanded content. Similarly, the Greenhuose gas emissions from energy highlights replaces the IEA CO2 emissions from fuel combustion highlights. This extract from the Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Energy 2022 database contains an extensive selection of GHG emissions data for over 190 countries and regions. Emissions data are based on the IEA World Energy Balances 2022 and on the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for Greenhouse Gas Inventories.

This data shows estimates of carbon dioxide emissions within the scope of influence of local authorities, in tonnes of CO2 per Person per Year.

This government data aims to provide nationally consistent carbon dioxide emission estimates at local authority and regional level. The data is regarded as sufficiently robust for setting baselines. On their own however, these estimates cannot give all the information needed to plan and monitor the progress of all local emissions reduction initiatives, which may require additional local monitoring.

Methodology information and further data, for example CO2 sub-totals shown by sector, are available from the source weblink. The methodology may be subject to refinement (hence estimates may be recalculated for previous years).

Source: Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (DBEIS), UK local authority and regional carbon dioxide emissions national statistics. This dataset is updated annually, usually June.

Total CO2 Emissions: Tonnes of CO2 Equivalent per Year: Processes data was reported at 47.913 Tonne mn in 2023. This records a decrease from the previous number of 48.604 Tonne mn for 2022. Total CO2 Emissions: Tonnes of CO2 Equivalent per Year: Processes data is updated yearly, averaging 23.102 Tonne mn from Dec 1970 (Median) to 2023, with 54 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 51.094 Tonne mn in 2019 and a record low of 0.888 Tonne mn in 1970. Total CO2 Emissions: Tonnes of CO2 Equivalent per Year: Processes data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by European Commission’s Directorate-General for Joint Research Centre. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Indonesia – Table ID.DG JRC.EDGAR: Environmental: Greenhouse Gas Emissions: CO2 Emissions: Annual.

CO2 Emissions in China decreased to 12667430 KT in 2022 from 12717660 KT in 2021. This dataset includes a chart with historical data for China CO2 Emissions.

Monthly mean atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentrations reached a record high of 430.5 parts per million (ppm) in May 2025. This represents an increase of roughly 22 percent compared with average CO₂ levels recorded in January 1990. In 2024, global average annual CO₂ concentrations reached a record high of 424.61 ppm. CO₂ concentrations typically fall during the summer months. This is a result of plants taking in more CO₂ through photosynthesis than they release through respiration during the warmer months when they are growing the most.

CO2 emissions of dwellings in England and Wales, by property type, tenure, property age and whether new or existing.

Total CO2 Emissions: Tonnes of CO2 Equivalent per Year: Buildings data was reported at 593.487 Tonne mn in 2023. This records an increase from the previous number of 589.725 Tonne mn for 2022. Total CO2 Emissions: Tonnes of CO2 Equivalent per Year: Buildings data is updated yearly, averaging 628.090 Tonne mn from Dec 1970 (Median) to 2023, with 54 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 908.508 Tonne mn in 1972 and a record low of 506.639 Tonne mn in 2012. Total CO2 Emissions: Tonnes of CO2 Equivalent per Year: Buildings data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by European Commission’s Directorate-General for Joint Research Centre. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.DG JRC.EDGAR: Environmental: Greenhouse Gas Emissions: CO2 Emissions: Annual.

Publications containing historical energy statistics make it possible to estimate fossil fuel CO2 emissions back to 1751. Etemad et al. (1991) published a summary compilation that tabulates coal, brown coal, peat, and crude oil production by nation and year. Footnotes in the Etemad et al.(1991) publication extend the energy statistics time series back to 1751. Summary compilations of fossil fuel trade were published by Mitchell (1983, 1992, 1993, 1995). Mitchell's work tabulates solid and liquid fuel imports and exports by nation and year. These pre-1950 production and trade data were digitized and CO2 emission calculations were made following the procedures discussed in Marland and Rotty (1984) and Boden et al. (1995). Further details on the contents and processing of the historical energy statistics are provided in Andres et al. (1999). The 1950 to present CO2 emission estimates are derived primarily from energy statistics published by the United Nations (2017), using the methods of Marland and Rotty (1984). The energy statistics were compiled primarily from annual questionnaires distributed by the U.N. Statistical Office and supplemented by official national statistical publications. As stated in the introduction of the Statistical Yearbook, "in a few cases, official sources are supplemented by other sources and estimates, where these have been subjected to professional scrutiny and debate and are consistent with other independent sources." Data from the U.S. Department of Interior's Geological Survey (USGS 2017) were used to estimate CO2 emitted during cement production. Values for emissions from gas flaring were derived primarily from U.N. data but were supplemented with data from the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Information Administration (1994), Rotty (1974), and data provided by G. Marland. Greater details about these methods are provided in Marland and Rotty (1984), Boden et al. (1995), and Andres et al. (1999). For access to the data files, click this link to the CDIAC data transition website: http://cdiac.ess-dive.lbl.gov/trends/emis/overview_2014.html

Data presented in Miller (2021) Savings in per-passenger CO2 emissions using rail rather than air travel in the northeastern U.S., JAWMA, 71:12, 1458-1471, DOI:10.1080/10962247.2020.1837996. Data included: -CO2 emissions from air and rail travel between select city pairs in the NE U.S. in lb CO2 and lb CO2/passenger-mile -Flight and rail miles between cities -Emission factors for air travel by aircraft type (single-aisle, regional jet) -Emission factors for rail travel by motive power type (electric, diesel) Data calculated using publicly available databases from the US Department of Energy, US Department of Commerce, the International Civil Aviation Organization, Amtrak, and the Rail Passengers Association. External data were collected in late 2019 through early 2020. This dataset is associated with the following publication: Miller, A. Savings in per-passenger CO2 emissions using rail rather than air travel in the northeastern U.S.. 2020. C. Andrew Miller (ed.), JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION. Air & Waste Management Association, Pittsburgh, PA, USA, 37, (2020).

UK CO2 Emission data extracted from the spreadsheet 'Local and Regional CO2 Emissions Estimates for 2005-2007', produced by the UK's Department of Energy and Climate Change.