- 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.
North America Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy was 5,649 Million Tonnes in 2023, down 2.5% on 2022. The Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy dataset of North America from 2015 to 2023 provides a clear and consistent view of the region's energy-related emissions landscape, highlighting carbon emission trends, fossil fuel consumption patterns, and long-term environmental performance.
North America Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy moved from 6,178 Million Tonnes in 2015 to 5,649 Million Tonnes in 2023 (−8.6%), an average of −1.1% a year. The series high was 6,198 Million Tonnes in 2018 and the low 5,382 Million Tonnes in 2020.
The gap between the series high (2018) and low (2020) is 815.4 Million Tonnes. The sharpest single-year move was −10.7% in 2020.
Within North America, U.S. has the highest value in 2023 at 4,640 Million Tonnes, 82.1% of the regional total.
Country ranking
Million Tonnes. Sort by any column, or search for a country.
Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 5,649 | −2.5% |
| 2022 | 5,792 | +1.5% |
| 2021 | 5,709 | +6.1% |
| 2020 Trough | 5,382 | −10.7% |
| 2019 | 6,026 | −2.8% |
| 2018Peak | 6,198 | +2.5% |
| 2017 | 6,045 | −0.5% |
| 2016 | 6,077 | −1.6% |
| 2015 | 6,178 | — |
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 represents the amount of carbon dioxide emitted through energy production and consumption activities and serves as an important indicator of regional energy demand, industrial development, economic activity, and progress toward emission reduction goals. Covering the combined emissions of the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the dataset provides a comprehensive overview of changes in energy-sector carbon emissions across one of the world's largest energy-consuming regions.
North America recorded 6,178.1 million tonnes of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions in 2015, declining to 6,077.3 million tonnes in 2016 and 6,044.9 million tonnes in 2017. Emissions increased to 6,197.8 million tonnes in 2018, the highest level during the observed period, before decreasing to 6,025.8 million tonnes in 2019. A significant decline occurred in 2020, when emissions dropped to 5,382.4 million tonnes because of reduced industrial activity, lower transportation demand, and widespread economic disruptions. As economic conditions improved, emissions rebounded to 5,709.2 million tonnes in 2021 and 5,792.4 million tonnes in 2022. In 2023, emissions declined to 5,649.1 million tonnes, remaining below pre-pandemic levels.
Overall, the dataset indicates a gradual long-term decline in North America's energy-related carbon emissions despite short-term fluctuations. The recovery following 2020 did not restore emissions to earlier peak levels, reflecting improvements in energy efficiency, greater adoption of renewable energy, cleaner electricity generation, and lower carbon intensity across the regional energy system. The dataset is valuable for benchmarking regional emission performance, evaluating decarbonization progress, supporting climate and energy policy analysis, forecasting future energy-sector emissions, and understanding the relationship between economic development, energy consumption, and environmental sustainability across North America.
Using this data in a report, paper or presentation? Copy a formatted citation.
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.
North America Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy was 5,649 Million Tonnes in 2023, down 2.5% on 2022.
North America Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy moved from 6,178 Million Tonnes in 2015 to 5,649 Million Tonnes in 2023 (−8.6%), an average of −1.1% a year. The series high was 6,198 Million Tonnes in 2018 and the low 5,382 Million Tonnes in 2020.
The highest value was 6,198 Million Tonnes in 2018 and the lowest was 5,382 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.
Need more data?
Need a longer historical series, a custom country set, additional dimensions, or a tailored dataset? Send us your requirement.