Coal was the main primary energy source when the Industrial Revolution began in 1750. Since then, coal use has emitted more than 830 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide (GtCO₂) worldwide. This accounts for almost half of all CO₂ emissions ever produced from fossil fuels and industry. The two biggest contributors to historical coal emissions are China and the United States. Oil is the second-largest contributor to global cumulative CO₂ emissions, followed by gas. The use of these fossil fuels on an industrial-scale started much later than coal.
Cumulative carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions worldwide from 1750 to 2022, by fuel and industry type
(in billion metric tons)
Figures were calculated by Statista based on the annual values provided by the source. Figures measure CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels and industry only – land use change is not included.
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Statista. (November 21, 2024). Cumulative carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions worldwide from 1750 to 2022, by fuel and industry type (in billion metric tons) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved January 06, 2025, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1359152/worldwide-co2-emissions-cumulative-by-fuel-historical/
Statista. "Cumulative carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions worldwide from 1750 to 2022, by fuel and industry type (in billion metric tons)." Chart. November 21, 2024. Statista. Accessed January 06, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1359152/worldwide-co2-emissions-cumulative-by-fuel-historical/
Statista. (2024). Cumulative carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions worldwide from 1750 to 2022, by fuel and industry type (in billion metric tons). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: January 06, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1359152/worldwide-co2-emissions-cumulative-by-fuel-historical/
Statista. "Cumulative Carbon Dioxide (Co₂) Emissions Worldwide from 1750 to 2022, by Fuel and Industry Type (in Billion Metric Tons)." Statista, Statista Inc., 21 Nov 2024, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1359152/worldwide-co2-emissions-cumulative-by-fuel-historical/
Statista, Cumulative carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions worldwide from 1750 to 2022, by fuel and industry type (in billion metric tons) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1359152/worldwide-co2-emissions-cumulative-by-fuel-historical/ (last visited January 06, 2025)
Cumulative carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions worldwide from 1750 to 2022, by fuel and industry type (in billion metric tons) [Graph], Statista, November 21, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1359152/worldwide-co2-emissions-cumulative-by-fuel-historical/
