- Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy refers to the total amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) released into the atmosphere from the combustion of fossil fuels and industrial energy-related processes within a given year.
Australia Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy was 376.1 Million Tonnes in 2023, down 0.2% on 2022. The Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy dataset of Australia from 2015 to 2023 provides a clear and consistent view of the country's energy-related emissions landscape, highlighting carbon emission trends, fossil fuel consumption patterns, and long-term environmental performance.
Australia Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy moved from 407.4 Million Tonnes in 2015 to 376.1 Million Tonnes in 2023 (−7.7%), an average of −1% a year. The series high was 407.4 Million Tonnes in 2015 and the low 369.2 Million Tonnes in 2021.
The gap between the series high (2015) and low (2021) is 38.20 Million Tonnes. The sharpest single-year move was −7.5% in 2020.
Among the 38 countries in this dataset, Australia ranks 15 for 2023, behind China (11,218 Million Tonnes) and U.S. (4,640 Million Tonnes). It accounts for 1.1% of the global total in 2023.
Full series
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Million Tonnes.
Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
| Year | Million Tonnes | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 376.1 | −0.2% |
| 2022 | 377 | +2.1% |
| 2021 Trough | 369.2 | −1.9% |
| 2020 | 376.5 | −7.5% |
| 2019 | 406.9 | +1.1% |
| 2018 | 402.5 | −0.4% |
| 2017 | 404.3 | −0.4% |
| 2016 | 406 | −0.3% |
| 2015Peak | 407.4 | — |
Regional context
Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy by country, 2023, Million Tonnes. Australia is highlighted.
Data definition
Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy — - Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy refers to the total amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) released into the atmosphere from the combustion of fossil fuels and industrial energy-related processes within a given year. It is typically measured in million tonnes of carbon dioxide (MtCO₂) and reflects emissions generated from the consumption of coal, oil, natural gas, and other fossil fuels for electricity generation, heat production, transportation, industrial activities, and other energy uses. This indicator is widely used to assess a country's contribution to energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, evaluate carbon intensity, and monitor progress toward climate and energy transition goals.
The data includes CO₂ emissions resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels such as coal, crude oil, petroleum products, and natural gas across all major sectors, including electricity and heat generation, manufacturing, construction, transportation, residential, commercial, and other energy-consuming activities. It also includes emissions associated with industrial processes directly related to energy use, following internationally standardized carbon accounting methodologies. The indicator aggregates emissions from all energy-related sources at the national level, enabling consistent comparison of emission trends across countries and over time. Emissions are calculated using standardized fuel consumption data and internationally recognized emission factors to ensure comparability.
The data excludes greenhouse gas emissions other than carbon dioxide, such as methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and fluorinated gases. It does not include CO₂ emissions from non-energy industrial processes, agriculture, forestry, land-use change, waste management, or other non-energy sectors unless specifically related to fuel combustion. The indicator excludes carbon removals through carbon capture, utilization, storage (CCUS), or natural carbon sinks such as forests. It also does not measure per capita emissions, carbon intensity, or emissions embodied in international trade. Minor differences may occur due to variations in national energy reporting practices, fuel classifications, and statistical estimation methodologies.
Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy — - Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy refers to the total amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) released into the atmosphere from the combustion of fossil fuels and industrial energy-related processes within a given year. It is typically measured in million tonnes of carbon dioxide (MtCO₂) and reflects emissions generated from the consumption of coal, oil, natural gas, and other fossil fuels for electricity generation, heat production, transportation, industrial activities, and other energy uses. This indicator is widely used to assess a country's contribution to energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, evaluate carbon intensity, and monitor progress toward climate and energy transition goals.
Measured in million tonnes, the dataset reflects the volume of carbon dioxide released from energy production and consumption activities and serves as an important indicator of economic activity, energy demand, and progress toward emission reduction objectives.
Australia recorded 407.4 million tonnes of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions in 2015, declining slightly to 406.0 million tonnes in 2016, 404.3 million tonnes in 2017, and 402.5 million tonnes in 2018. Emissions increased marginally to 406.9 million tonnes in 2019 before falling significantly to 376.5 million tonnes in 2020, reflecting reduced economic activity and lower energy demand. Emissions declined further to 369.2 million tonnes in 2021, increased modestly to 377.0 million tonnes in 2022, and edged down to 376.1 million tonnes in 2023, remaining well below pre-pandemic levels.
Overall, the dataset demonstrates a gradual long-term decline in energy-related carbon emissions with relatively limited annual fluctuations. Although emissions experienced a modest rebound in 2022, the overall trend reflects improvements in energy efficiency, increasing renewable energy generation, and ongoing efforts to reduce carbon intensity across electricity production, industry, and transportation sectors.
The dataset is valuable for evaluating Australia's long-term environmental performance, monitoring progress toward emission reduction targets, supporting climate policy assessments, and benchmarking national trends against other developed economies. It also provides a reliable basis for forecasting future energy-sector emissions, assessing sustainability initiatives, and understanding the relationship between economic development, energy consumption, and environmental performance over time.
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Definition- Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy refers to the total amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) released into the atmosphere from the combustion of fossil fuels and industrial energy-related processes within a given year. It is typically measured in million tonnes of carbon dioxide (MtCO₂) and reflects emissions generated from the consumption of coal, oil, natural gas, and other fossil fuels for electricity generation, heat production, transportation, industrial activities, and other energy uses. This indicator is widely used to assess a country's contribution to energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, evaluate carbon intensity, and monitor progress toward climate and energy transition goals.
Australia Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy was 376.1 Million Tonnes in 2023, down 0.2% on 2022.
Australia Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy moved from 407.4 Million Tonnes in 2015 to 376.1 Million Tonnes in 2023 (−7.7%), an average of −1% a year. The series high was 407.4 Million Tonnes in 2015 and the low 369.2 Million Tonnes in 2021.
The highest value was 407.4 Million Tonnes in 2015 and the lowest was 369.2 Million Tonnes in 2021.
Included: The data includes CO₂ emissions resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels such as coal, crude oil, petroleum products, and natural gas across all major sectors, including electricity and heat generation, manufacturing, construction, transportation, residential, commercial, and other energy-consuming activities. It also includes emissions associated with industrial processes directly related to energy use, following internationally standardized carbon accounting methodologies. The indicator aggregates emissions from all energy-related sources at the national level, enabling consistent comparison of emission trends across countries and over time. Emissions are calculated using standardized fuel consumption data and internationally recognized emission factors to ensure comparability. Excluded: The data excludes greenhouse gas emissions other than carbon dioxide, such as methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and fluorinated gases. It does not include CO₂ emissions from non-energy industrial processes, agriculture, forestry, land-use change, waste management, or other non-energy sectors unless specifically related to fuel combustion. The indicator excludes carbon removals through carbon capture, utilization, storage (CCUS), or natural carbon sinks such as forests. It also does not measure per capita emissions, carbon intensity, or emissions embodied in international trade. Minor differences may occur due to variations in national energy reporting practices, fuel classifications, and statistical estimation methodologies.
The series is sourced from energyinst.org (https://www.energyinst.org/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/1542714/684_EI_Stat_Review_V16_DIGITAL.pdf). It covers 2015–2023 and is reported in Million Tonnes.
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