- 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.
Global Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy was 35,130 Million Tonnes in 2023, up 1.6% on 2022. The Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy dataset for the Global region from 2015 to 2023 provides a comprehensive overview of worldwide energy-related carbon emission patterns, highlighting changes in fossil fuel consumption, industrial activity, and environmental performance.
Global Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy moved from 32,777 Million Tonnes in 2015 to 35,130 Million Tonnes in 2023 (+7.2%), an average of +0.9% a year. The series high was 35,130 Million Tonnes in 2023 and the low 32,342 Million Tonnes in 2020.
The gap between the series high (2023) and low (2020) is 2,788 Million Tonnes. The sharpest single-year move was +5.2% in 2021.
Of the 38 countries in this dataset, China, U.S. and India have the highest values in 2023 (11,218, 4,640, 2,814 Million Tonnes respectively).
Country ranking
Million Tonnes. Sort by any column, or search for a country.
Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
| Rank↕ | Country↕ | Share of top | Million Tonnes↕ | vs 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | 11,218 | +6.1% | |
| 2 | U.S. | 4,640 | −3.3% | |
| 3 | India | 2,814 | +8.4% | |
| 4 | Russia | 1,615 | +1% | |
| 5 | Japan | 1,013 | −6.3% | |
| 6 | Indonesia | 701.4 | −0.4% | |
| 7 | Saudi Arabia | 620.4 | +1.8% | |
| 8 | Germany | 571.9 | −9.5% | |
| 9 | South Korea | 571.2 | −3.7% | |
| 10 | Canada | 519.5 | −1% | |
| 11 | Mexico | 489.9 | +4.4% | |
| 12 | Brazil | 451 | +1.7% | |
| 13 | South Africa | 425 | −0.2% | |
| 14 | Turkey | 411.1 | −2.2% | |
| 15 | Australia | 376.1 | −0.2% | |
| 16 | UK | 327.3 | −4% | |
| 17 | Vietnam | 305.4 | +18.6% | |
| 18 | Italy | 301.3 | −7.3% | |
| 19 | UAE | 287.2 | +2.1% | |
| 20 | Malaysia | 284.7 | +2.6% | |
| 21 | Thailand | 269.7 | −1.8% | |
| 22 | Taiwan | 265.5 | −2.9% | |
| 23 | France | 254.6 | −6.6% | |
| 24 | Spain | 246.8 | −5.2% | |
| 25 | Egypt | 232.1 | −1.5% | |
| 26 | Singapore | 224.4 | +7% | |
| 27 | Kazakhstan | 221.2 | +0.1% | |
| 28 | Argentina | 190.9 | −3.8% | |
| 29 | Netherlands | 156.1 | −5.3% | |
| 30 | Philippines | 152.6 | +8.5% | |
| 31 | Uzbekistan | 120.1 | −0.5% | |
| 32 | Colombia | 110.2 | +7% | |
| 33 | Turkmenistan | 93.90 | −1.6% | |
| 34 | Chile | 86.50 | −7% | |
| 35 | Israel | 65.50 | −2.5% | |
| 36 | Sweden | 35.80 | −5.3% | |
| 37 | Finland | 31.70 | −11.5% | |
| 38 | Denmark | 28.40 | −4.7% |
By region
Million Tonnes, 2023. Each bar is that region's total.
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 | 35,130 | +1.6% |
| 2022 | 34,580 | +1.6% |
| 2021 | 34,019 | +5.2% |
| 2020 Trough | 32,342 | −5.1% |
| 2019 | 34,091 | +0.1% |
| 2018 | 34,055 | +2.1% |
| 2017 | 33,347 | +1.7% |
| 2016 | 32,784 | 0% |
| 2015 | 32,777 | — |
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 quantifies carbon dioxide emissions generated through energy production and consumption, serving as a key indicator of global energy demand, economic activity, and progress toward emission reduction. Covering the world's major emitting economies, including the United States, China, India, and all other countries, the dataset provides a broad assessment of global energy-related carbon emissions and supports long-term evaluation of international emission trends.
Global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions remained at 32.78 billion tonnes in both 2015 and 2016 before increasing to 33.35 billion tonnes in 2017 and 34.06 billion tonnes in 2018. Emissions reached 34.09 billion tonnes in 2019 before declining to 32.34 billion tonnes in 2020 because of reduced industrial production, transportation activity, and energy demand. As economic activity recovered, emissions increased to 34.02 billion tonnes in 2021, 34.58 billion tonnes in 2022, and a study-period high of 35.13 billion tonnes in 2023. During the period, China's emissions increased from 9.17 to 11.22 billion tonnes, while India's emissions rose from 2.11 to 2.81 billion tonnes. In contrast, U.S. emissions declined overall from 5.14 billion tonnes in 2015 to 4.64 billion tonnes in 2023 despite a temporary rebound after 2020.
Overall, the dataset highlights a long-term increase in global energy-related carbon emissions, driven primarily by expanding economic activity, industrialization, population growth, and rising energy demand. It serves as a valuable resource for monitoring decarbonization progress, evaluating climate and energy policies, benchmarking regional and national emission performance, forecasting future energy-sector emissions, and assessing the relationship between economic development, energy consumption, and environmental sustainability worldwide.
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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.
Global Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy was 35,130 Million Tonnes in 2023, up 1.6% on 2022.
Global Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy moved from 32,777 Million Tonnes in 2015 to 35,130 Million Tonnes in 2023 (+7.2%), an average of +0.9% a year. The series high was 35,130 Million Tonnes in 2023 and the low 32,342 Million Tonnes in 2020.
The highest value was 35,130 Million Tonnes in 2023 and the lowest was 32,342 Million Tonnes in 2020.
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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