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.
Taiwan recorded 275.7 million tonnes of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions in 2015, increasing to 280.9 million tonnes in 2016 and 286.9 million tonnes in 2017, the highest level during the observed period. Emissions declined slightly to 284.8 million tonnes in 2018 and 279.3 million tonnes in 2019 before falling further to 265.7 million tonnes in 2020 due to reduced economic activity and lower energy demand. Emissions rebounded to 281.1 million tonnes in 2021, declined to 273.3 million tonnes in 2022, and decreased further to 265.5 million tonnes in 2023, the lowest value recorded during the study period.
Overall, the dataset demonstrates a gradual long-term decline in energy-related carbon emissions despite moderate year-to-year fluctuations. Although emissions temporarily increased during the post-pandemic recovery, the overall trend indicates improvements in energy efficiency, gradual changes in the electricity generation mix, and continued efforts to reduce carbon intensity across industrial and commercial sectors.
The dataset is valuable for evaluating Taiwan's long-term environmental performance, monitoring emission reduction progress, supporting climate policy assessments, and benchmarking national trends against other advanced Asian economies. It also provides a reliable foundation for forecasting future energy-sector emissions, assessing sustainability initiatives, and understanding the relationship between economic development, energy consumption, and environmental performance.