The United States was the biggest emitter in history as of 2022, having released 427 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide (GtCO₂) into the atmosphere since the birth of the industrial revolution. This accounted for roughly a quarter of all historical CO₂ produced from fossil fuels and industry. China was the second-largest contributor to historical emissions, having released over 260 GtCO₂. CO₂ is a greenhouse gas and the main driver of climate change and rising temperatures.
Regional emissions
Europe had accounted for almost 100 percent of global cumulative CO₂ emissions produced between 1750 and 1850, with the United Kingdom the biggest contributor. However, the region's share of emissions shrank in the following decades as the U.S. emerged as a major industrial power. By 1950, the U.S.'s share of historical global CO₂ emissions had increased to 40 percent, while Europe's had fallen to 50 percent.
China's contribution to historical emissions has soared
Between 1750 and 1950, China had contributed less than one percent of total CO₂ emissions ever produced. However, soaring emissions in China in recent decades has seen the country's share of historical emissions rise to nearly 15 percent. This growth has been driven by China's rapid industrialization and its reliance on coal consumption for energy.
Cumulative carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from fossil fuel combustion worldwide from 1750 to 2022, by major country
(in billion metric tons)
Cumulative carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by region from the year 1750 onwards. 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.
Profit from the additional features of your individual account
Currently, you are using a shared account. To use individual functions (e.g., mark statistics as favourites, set
statistic alerts) please log in with your personal account.
If you are an admin, please authenticate by logging in again.
Learn more about how Statista can support your business.
OWID. (December 5, 2023). Cumulative carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from fossil fuel combustion worldwide from 1750 to 2022, by major country (in billion metric tons) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved November 20, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1007454/cumulative-co2-emissions-worldwide-by-country/
OWID. "Cumulative carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from fossil fuel combustion worldwide from 1750 to 2022, by major country (in billion metric tons)." Chart. December 5, 2023. Statista. Accessed November 20, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1007454/cumulative-co2-emissions-worldwide-by-country/
OWID. (2023). Cumulative carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from fossil fuel combustion worldwide from 1750 to 2022, by major country (in billion metric tons). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: November 20, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1007454/cumulative-co2-emissions-worldwide-by-country/
OWID. "Cumulative Carbon Dioxide (Co₂) Emissions from Fossil Fuel Combustion Worldwide from 1750 to 2022, by Major Country (in Billion Metric Tons)." Statista, Statista Inc., 5 Dec 2023, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1007454/cumulative-co2-emissions-worldwide-by-country/
OWID, Cumulative carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from fossil fuel combustion worldwide from 1750 to 2022, by major country (in billion metric tons) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1007454/cumulative-co2-emissions-worldwide-by-country/ (last visited November 20, 2024)
Cumulative carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from fossil fuel combustion worldwide from 1750 to 2022, by major country (in billion metric tons) [Graph], OWID, December 5, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1007454/cumulative-co2-emissions-worldwide-by-country/