Emissions

Emissions from human activities have risen dramatically since the Industrial Revolution began more than two centuries ago. However, it wasn’t until the mid-twentieth century that emissions truly began to soar. Growing populations and economic growth have led to the increased combustion of fossil fuels for carbon-intensive industries, as well as forest conversion for agricultural purposes. This growth has resulted in global greenhouse gas emissions and atmospheric carbon dioxide levels reaching record-breaking highs.

The concerning rise in emissions – and their effects on the global climate - has led to governmental policies and regulations such as the Paris Agreement being introduced to try and mitigate the worst effects of climate change. At the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in 2021, many of the world’s most polluting countries pledged to reach net-zero by 2050.

Market size

Global CO₂ emissions have reached their highest level in history

Annual carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions worldwide from 1940 to 2023 (in billion metric tons)

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Further details: Visit original statistic Annual carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions worldwide from 1940 to 2023 (in billion metric tons)

Global emissions of climate-warming gases have been rising fast in recent decades due to increased fossil fuel combustion and industrial processes. Despite a dip in 2020 due to COVID-19 measures, global emissions have rebounded and are projected to have reached a record high in 2022. According to the IPCC, global emissions need to peak before 2025 and halve by 2030 if the world is to achieve the target of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-Industrial levels.

Global GHG emissions
Methane emissions worldwide
Global climate change

Market segments

Power industry is the most polluting sector

Distribution of carbon dioxide emissions worldwide in 2022, by sector

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Further details: Visit original statistic Distribution of carbon dioxide emissions worldwide in 2022, by sector

Energy-related industries are major sources of global greenhouse gas emissions. The most polluting sector varies from country to country, but the power sector is the largest emitter on a global scale. This is primarily due to the use of coal, which is both the largest source of electricity generation and the largest single source of CO₂ emissions worldwide. Because of this, many countries are phasing out coal and shifting toward cleaner energy sources in a bid to cut down emissions.

Coal emissions worldwide
Transportation emissions worldwide
Agriculture emissions worldwide

Industry trends

Rising concentration of atmospheric GHGs

Average carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels in the atmosphere worldwide from 1959 to 2023 (in parts per million)

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Further details: Visit original statistic Average carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels in the atmosphere worldwide from 1959 to 2023 (in parts per million)

The upward trend in global emissions has led to a substantial build-up of GHGs in the atmosphere. Concentrations of carbon dioxide have reached record highs in recent years, with globally averaged concentrations above 418 parts per million in 2022 – an increase of more than 18 percent relative to 1990 levels. Concentrations of methane (which has a greater warming potential than CO₂) have also been rising.

Monthly atmospheric CO₂ concentrations
Atmospheric methane concentrations
Monthly atmospheric methane concentrations

Industry leaders

Which countries contribute the most to global emissions?

Carbon dioxide emissions of the most polluting countries worldwide in 2010 and 2022 (in million metric tons)

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Further details: Visit original statistic Carbon dioxide emissions of the most polluting countries worldwide in 2010 and 2022 (in million metric tons)

Rapid economic growth in recent decades has seen China become the world’s largest emitter of carbon dioxide. At more than 11 GtCO₂, China now emits more than twice the CO₂ as the second-largest emitter the United States. Nevertheless, the United States is the biggest emitter in history having produced a quarter of total CO₂ emissions since 1750.

Climate change and emissions in China
Emissions in the U.S.
Emissions in the EU

Industry impacts

Global air quality

Average PM2.5 concentration in the most polluted countries worldwide in 2023 (in micrograms per cubic meter of air)

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Further details: Visit original statistic Average PM2.5 concentration in the most polluted countries worldwide in 2023 (in micrograms per cubic meter of air)

The increase in fossil fuel combustion has not only warmed the planet, but it has also worsened air quality around the world. Many countries, particularly in Asia, experience PM2.5 concentrations that far exceed the limits advised by the World Health Organization (WHO) and are hazardous to human health. Air pollution is now one of the leading causes of premature deaths worldwide, cutting millions of lives short every year.

Global environmental pollution
Most polluted capital cities
Most polluted cities worldwide

State of the industry

  • Greenhouse gas emissions in the EU
  • Greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S.
  • Emissions in Brazil
  • Emissions in Mexico
  • Greenhouse gas emissions in India
  • Transportation emissions worldwide
  • Transportation emissions in the U.S.
  • Transportation emissions in the UK
  • Agriculture emissions worldwide
  • Environmental impacts of the food industry

Industry Definition

The emissions category offers data on current and historic emissions at global, regional, and country levels. Within this sector, Statista provides information about greenhouse gas emissions, as well as air pollutants such as PM2.5 particulate matter and nitrogen oxides.

More interesting topics from the industry "Emissions"

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