Per capita CO₂ emissions in the U.S. 1970-2023

The average American was responsible for emitting 13.8 metric tons of carbon dioxide (tCO₂) in 2023. U.S. per capita fossil CO₂ emissions have fallen by more than 30 percent since 1990. 

Global per capita emission comparisons

Despite per capita emissions in the U.S. falling notably in recent decades, they remain roughly three times above global average per capita CO₂ emissions. In fact, the average American emits more CO₂ in one day than the average Somalian does throughout the entire year. Additionally, while China is now the world’s biggest emitter, the average Chinese citizen’s annual carbon footprint is roughly half the average American’s. 

Which U.S. state has the largest carbon footprint?

Per capita energy-related CO₂ emissions in the U.S. vary greatly by state. Wyoming was the biggest CO₂ emitter per capita in 2021, with 94 tCO₂ per person. The least-populated state’s high per capita emissions are mainly due to its heavily polluting coal industry. In contrast, New Yorkers had the smallest carbon footprint in 2021, at less than eight tCO₂ per person.