Global carbon dioxide emissions per capita 2023, by country

Qatar has the highest per capita carbon dioxide emissions worldwide, at 42.6 metric tons per person. Many countries in the Middle East had high levels emissions, especially when compared to countries in Africa. 

Greenhouse gas emissions worldwide

Some of the Middle East’s largest oil producing countries, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia are among the world’s largest carbon dioxide (CO₂) emitters per capita. Countries such as the United States, Australia and Canada also show disproportionately high levels of emission per inhabitant. Despite a relatively low population for its size, Canada’s CO₂ emissions have recently surpassed 500 million metric tons, and the country is now amongst the largest producers of CO₂ emissions worldwide.

Rising emissions

Global greenhouse gas emissions have been on the rise since the industrial revolution began approximately 200 years ago. Over the past half-century CO₂ emissions have skyrocketed, and climbed to a record high in recent years. Yet, emissions fell considerably in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused disruptions to transportation and industrial activities.