The distribution of regional cumulative carbon dioxide emissions has changed dramatically since 1750. For many decades the vast majority of emissions were produced in countries in Europe, specifically Great Britain, where the industrial revolution originated. As the United States began to emerge, the global distribution changed. By the start of the twentieth century, the United States accounted for almost a quarter of cumulative emissions, and by the 1950s its share had increased to almost 40 percent. With cumulative emissions of more than 400 billion metric tons of CO₂, the United States is now the biggest emitter in history.
China is now the second-biggest historical emitter, having seen its share of cumulative emissions grow from less than six percent in 1990 to more than 15 percent by the end of 2022.
Distribution of cumulative carbon dioxide emissions worldwide in selected years 1750 to 2022, by region
Figures in some years may not total 100% due to rounding.
Supplementary notes
*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.
Figures amounting to 0.01% are equal to or less than this total.
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World Bank. (December 12, 2023). Distribution of cumulative carbon dioxide emissions worldwide in selected years 1750 to 2022, by region [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved November 21, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1177911/cumulative-co2-emissions-worldwide-by-region/
World Bank. "Distribution of cumulative carbon dioxide emissions worldwide in selected years 1750 to 2022, by region." Chart. December 12, 2023. Statista. Accessed November 21, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1177911/cumulative-co2-emissions-worldwide-by-region/
World Bank. (2023). Distribution of cumulative carbon dioxide emissions worldwide in selected years 1750 to 2022, by region. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: November 21, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1177911/cumulative-co2-emissions-worldwide-by-region/
World Bank. "Distribution of Cumulative Carbon Dioxide Emissions Worldwide in Selected Years 1750 to 2022, by Region." Statista, Statista Inc., 12 Dec 2023, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1177911/cumulative-co2-emissions-worldwide-by-region/
World Bank, Distribution of cumulative carbon dioxide emissions worldwide in selected years 1750 to 2022, by region Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1177911/cumulative-co2-emissions-worldwide-by-region/ (last visited November 21, 2024)
Distribution of cumulative carbon dioxide emissions worldwide in selected years 1750 to 2022, by region [Graph], World Bank, December 12, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1177911/cumulative-co2-emissions-worldwide-by-region/