- 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.
China Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy was 11,218 Million Tonnes in 2023, up 6.1% on 2022. The Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy dataset of China 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.
China Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy moved from 9,173 Million Tonnes in 2015 to 11,218 Million Tonnes in 2023 (+22.3%), an average of +2.5% a year. The series high was 11,218 Million Tonnes in 2023 and the low 9,027 Million Tonnes in 2016.
The gap between the series high (2023) and low (2016) is 2,191 Million Tonnes. The sharpest single-year move was +6.1% in 2023.
Among the 38 countries in this dataset, China ranks 1 for 2023. It accounts for 31.9% 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2023Peak | 11,218 | +6.1% |
| 2022 | 10,576 | +0.3% |
| 2021 | 10,544 | +4.1% |
| 2020 | 10,128 | +2.1% |
| 2019 | 9,924 | +3.2% |
| 2018 | 9,612 | +3.6% |
| 2017 | 9,274 | +2.7% |
| 2016 Trough | 9,027 | −1.6% |
| 2015 | 9,173 | — |
Regional context
Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy by country, 2023, Million Tonnes. China 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 billion 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, industrial demand, and progress toward emission management objectives.
China recorded 9.17 billion tonnes of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions in 2015, declining slightly to 9.03 billion tonnes in 2016 before rising to 9.27 billion tonnes in 2017. Emissions increased steadily to 9.61 billion tonnes in 2018 and 9.92 billion tonnes in 2019, reflecting continued industrial activity and energy demand. Unlike many economies, emissions continued increasing during 2020, reaching 10.13 billion tonnes. The upward trend persisted with 10.54 billion tonnes in 2021, 10.58 billion tonnes in 2022, and a substantial increase to 11.22 billion tonnes in 2023, the highest level during the observed period.
Overall, the dataset demonstrates a strong long-term upward trend in energy-related carbon emissions despite limited short-term fluctuations. The increase between 2015 and 2023 reflects sustained economic expansion, industrial production growth, urbanization, and rising energy consumption across manufacturing, transportation, and power generation sectors. While renewable energy deployment has expanded considerably, the overall emissions trajectory indicates that total energy demand has continued to grow at a faster pace.
The dataset is valuable for evaluating China's long-term emission performance, monitoring changes in energy-related carbon output, supporting climate policy analysis, and benchmarking national trends against other major economies. It also provides a reliable foundation for forecasting future energy-sector emissions, assessing sustainability initiatives, and understanding the relationship between economic development, energy demand, 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.
China Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy was 11,218 Million Tonnes in 2023, up 6.1% on 2022.
China Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy moved from 9,173 Million Tonnes in 2015 to 11,218 Million Tonnes in 2023 (+22.3%), an average of +2.5% a year. The series high was 11,218 Million Tonnes in 2023 and the low 9,027 Million Tonnes in 2016.
The highest value was 11,218 Million Tonnes in 2023 and the lowest was 9,027 Million Tonnes in 2016.
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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