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.
Chile recorded 87.4 million tonnes of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions in 2015, increasing to 92.2 million tonnes in 2016 and 93.9 million tonnes in 2017. Emissions remained relatively stable at 93.5 million tonnes in 2018 before reaching 94.8 million tonnes in 2019, the highest level during the observed period. A significant decline occurred in 2020, when emissions fell to 85.1 million tonnes because of reduced economic activity and lower energy demand. Emissions recovered to 93.8 million tonnes in 2021, eased slightly to 93.0 million tonnes in 2022, and declined again to 86.5 million tonnes in 2023, remaining below pre-pandemic levels.
Overall, the dataset demonstrates relatively stable energy-related carbon emissions with moderate year-to-year fluctuations. Although emissions increased gradually until 2019 and rebounded after the temporary decline in 2020, the overall trend indicates limited long-term variation. The lower emissions recorded in 2023 suggest continued improvements in energy efficiency and increasing adoption of cleaner energy sources within the national energy mix.
The dataset is valuable for evaluating Chile's long-term environmental performance, monitoring emission reduction progress, supporting climate policy assessments, and benchmarking national trends against other Latin American 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.