U.S. transportation sector emissions from energy consumption increased by almost one percent in 2023, to 1.86 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide (GtCO₂). The U.S. is the largest contributor to global transportation emissions, accounting for almost a quarter of the global total.
Transportation is the main source of U.S. GHG emissions
The transportation sector is the largest contributor to U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for roughly 29 percent of the total in 2021. Carbon dioxide is the primary greenhouse gas produced by the transportation sector.
Road vehicle emissions in the U.S.
The majority of U.S. transportation-related emissions are produced by road vehicles. Combined, light-duty trucks and passenger cars were responsible for almost 60 percent of total U.S. transportation sector emissions in 2021.
Carbon dioxide emissions from energy consumption in the transportation sector in the U.S. from 1975 to 2023
(in million metric tons of carbon dioxide)
Characteristic
Emissions in million metric tons of carbon dioxide
2023
1,858
2022
1,842
2021
1,809
2020
1,633
2019
1,924
2018
1,918
2017
1,887
2016
1,869
2015
1,837
2014
1,814
2013
1,795
2012
1,776
2011
1,813
2010
1,847
2009
1,832
2008
1,896
2007
2,026
2006
2,023
2005
1,992
2004
1,972
2003
1,917
2002
1,899
2001
1,859
2000
1,888
1999
1,832
1998
1,785
1997
1,748
1996
1,729
1995
1,679
1994
1,643
1993
1,600
1992
1,585
1991
1,565
1990
1,587
1989
1,591
1988
1,580
1987
1,520
1986
1,473
1985
1,423
1984
1,391
1983
1,359
1982
1,353
1981
1,383
1980
1,397
1979
1,452
1978
1,462
1977
1,405
1976
1,353
1975
1,291
Zoomable Statistic: Select the range in the chart you want to zoom in on.
Figures include emissions from energy consumption (for electricity and a small amount of useful thermal output) in the electric power sector that are allocated to the end-use sectors in proportion to the sector's share of total electricity sales to ultimate customers.
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.
EIA. (March 26, 2024). Carbon dioxide emissions from energy consumption in the transportation sector in the U.S. from 1975 to 2023 (in million metric tons of carbon dioxide) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved November 21, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1118464/transportation-co2-emissions-in-the-us-energy-consumption/
EIA. "Carbon dioxide emissions from energy consumption in the transportation sector in the U.S. from 1975 to 2023 (in million metric tons of carbon dioxide)." Chart. March 26, 2024. Statista. Accessed November 21, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1118464/transportation-co2-emissions-in-the-us-energy-consumption/
EIA. (2024). Carbon dioxide emissions from energy consumption in the transportation sector in the U.S. from 1975 to 2023 (in million metric tons of carbon dioxide). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: November 21, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1118464/transportation-co2-emissions-in-the-us-energy-consumption/
EIA. "Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Energy Consumption in The Transportation Sector in The U.S. from 1975 to 2023 (in Million Metric Tons of Carbon Dioxide)." Statista, Statista Inc., 26 Mar 2024, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1118464/transportation-co2-emissions-in-the-us-energy-consumption/
EIA, Carbon dioxide emissions from energy consumption in the transportation sector in the U.S. from 1975 to 2023 (in million metric tons of carbon dioxide) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1118464/transportation-co2-emissions-in-the-us-energy-consumption/ (last visited November 21, 2024)
Carbon dioxide emissions from energy consumption in the transportation sector in the U.S. from 1975 to 2023 (in million metric tons of carbon dioxide) [Graph], EIA, March 26, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1118464/transportation-co2-emissions-in-the-us-energy-consumption/
