By the end of 2023, the United States had emitted more than 430 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 2023 the country's cumulative emissions had reached roughly 273 GtCO₂.
Combined, the United States and China have been responsible for almost 40 percent of global historical CO₂ emissions since 1750.
Cumulative carbon dioxide emissions worldwide in selected years from 1750 to 2023, 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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OWID. (November 21, 2024). Cumulative carbon dioxide emissions worldwide in selected years from 1750 to 2023, by region (in billion metric tons) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved December 21, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1177968/regional-cumulative-co2-emissions-worldwide-since-1900/
OWID. "Cumulative carbon dioxide emissions worldwide in selected years from 1750 to 2023, by region (in billion metric tons)." Chart. November 21, 2024. Statista. Accessed December 21, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1177968/regional-cumulative-co2-emissions-worldwide-since-1900/
OWID. (2024). Cumulative carbon dioxide emissions worldwide in selected years from 1750 to 2023, by region (in billion metric tons). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: December 21, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1177968/regional-cumulative-co2-emissions-worldwide-since-1900/
OWID. "Cumulative Carbon Dioxide Emissions Worldwide in Selected Years from 1750 to 2023, by Region (in Billion Metric Tons)." Statista, Statista Inc., 21 Nov 2024, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1177968/regional-cumulative-co2-emissions-worldwide-since-1900/
OWID, Cumulative carbon dioxide emissions worldwide in selected years from 1750 to 2023, by region (in billion metric tons) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1177968/regional-cumulative-co2-emissions-worldwide-since-1900/ (last visited December 21, 2024)
Cumulative carbon dioxide emissions worldwide in selected years from 1750 to 2023, by region (in billion metric tons) [Graph], OWID, November 21, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1177968/regional-cumulative-co2-emissions-worldwide-since-1900/
