Global cumulative CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels and land use 1850-2022, by country

Almost 2,600 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide (GtCO₂) have been emitted into the atmosphere from fossil fuel combustion and land-use change since 1850. The United States has contributed to roughly 22 percent of this total, at nearly 555 GtCO₂. This makes the U.S. the biggest cumulative emitter over the past two centuries by far. China is ranked second overall, having released 323 GtCO₂ from fossil fuel combustion and land-use change.

In previous studies, historical cumulative emissions have mainly been calculated from fossil fuel combustion and cement production. However, when land-use emissions are taken into account, countries such as Brazil and Indonesia rise up the rankings. Both these countries experience massive levels of deforestation, mainly for cattle pastures in Brazil and palm oil plantations in Indonesia.