By the end of 2022, the United States had emitted more than 425 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide (GtCO₂) into the atmosphere from fossil fuels and industry since the Industrial Revolution began. By 1990, the U.S. had emitted roughly 250 GtCO₂. By comparison, China had produced 43 GtCO₂ during the same time frame. However, China's emissions have soared in recent decades due to rapid economic development, and by 2022 the country's cumulative emissions had reached roughly 260 GtCO₂.
Combined, the United States and China have been responsible for almost 40 percent of global CO₂ emissions since 1750.
Cumulative carbon dioxide emissions worldwide since 1750 in selected years from 1900 to 2022, by region
(in billion metric tons)
Emissions are based on territorial emissions (production-based) and do not account for emissions embedded in trade. This measures CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels and cement production only – land use change is not included.
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World Bank. (December 12, 2023). Cumulative carbon dioxide emissions worldwide since 1750 in selected years from 1900 to 2022, by region (in billion metric tons) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved November 24, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1177968/regional-cumulative-co2-emissions-worldwide-since-1900/
World Bank. "Cumulative carbon dioxide emissions worldwide since 1750 in selected years from 1900 to 2022, by region (in billion metric tons)." Chart. December 12, 2023. Statista. Accessed November 24, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1177968/regional-cumulative-co2-emissions-worldwide-since-1900/
World Bank. (2023). Cumulative carbon dioxide emissions worldwide since 1750 in selected years from 1900 to 2022, by region (in billion metric tons). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: November 24, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1177968/regional-cumulative-co2-emissions-worldwide-since-1900/
World Bank. "Cumulative Carbon Dioxide Emissions Worldwide since 1750 in Selected Years from 1900 to 2022, by Region (in Billion Metric Tons)." Statista, Statista Inc., 12 Dec 2023, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1177968/regional-cumulative-co2-emissions-worldwide-since-1900/
World Bank, Cumulative carbon dioxide emissions worldwide since 1750 in selected years from 1900 to 2022, by region (in billion metric tons) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1177968/regional-cumulative-co2-emissions-worldwide-since-1900/ (last visited November 24, 2024)
Cumulative carbon dioxide emissions worldwide since 1750 in selected years from 1900 to 2022, by region (in billion metric tons) [Graph], World Bank, December 12, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1177968/regional-cumulative-co2-emissions-worldwide-since-1900/
