Greenhouse gas 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, with growing populations and economic growth leading 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 rise in emissions has led to governmental policies and regulations, such as the Paris Agreement, being introduced to try and limit rising global temperatures and mitigate the worst effects of climate change. But with emissions continuing to rise, the remaining global carbon budget is expected to be used up in the coming years unless urgent action is taken.
Annual carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions worldwide from 1940 to 2023 (in billion metric tons)
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 risen rapidly in recent decades due to increased fossil fuel combustion and industrial processes. Global emissions of CO₂, the primary GHG emitted through human-activities, have increased by more than 60 percent since 1990, and are projected to have reached record high levels in 2023. According to the IPCC, global emissions need to roughly halve by 2030 from 2019 levels to keep global temperatures within the 1.5 degrees Celsius limits.
Global GHG emissionsAnnual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions worldwide from 1990 to 2022, by sector (in million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent)
Energy-related industries are major sources of greenhouse gas emissions, with the power industry the largest contributor by far, accounting for some 40 percent of total emissions. 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 worldwideAverage carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels in the atmosphere worldwide from 1959 to 2023 (in parts per million)
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. Levels of CO₂ have reached record highs in recent years, with global average annual concentrations climbing above 420 parts per million in 2023. This represents an increase of more than 50 percent above pre-industrial CO₂ levels. Average atmospheric abundances of methane (which has a greater warming potential than CO₂) have also hit record highs in recent years.
Monthly atmospheric CO₂ concentrationsLargest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions worldwide in 2022, by country (in billion metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent)
Rapid economic growth in recent decades has seen China become the world’s largest GHG emitter. Responsible for almost 30 percent of annual global climate pollution, China’s emissions are now twice those of the world’s 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 the Industrial Revolution.
Emissions in the U.S.Average PM2.5 concentration in the most polluted countries worldwide in 2023 (in micrograms per cubic meter of air)
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 has also worsened air quality around the world. Many countries, particularly in developing regions, are exposed to poor air quality, with some of the most polluted recording air pollution levels that far exceed the limits advised by the World Health Organization (WHO). Air pollution is now one of the leading causes of premature deaths worldwide, cutting millions of lives short every year.
Global air pollution
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.
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