- 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.
U.S. Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy was 4,640 Million Tonnes in 2023, down 3.3% on 2022. The Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy dataset of the United States 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.
U.S. Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy moved from 5,138 Million Tonnes in 2015 to 4,640 Million Tonnes in 2023 (−9.7%), an average of −1.3% a year. The series high was 5,138 Million Tonnes in 2015 and the low 4,467 Million Tonnes in 2020.
The gap between the series high (2015) and low (2020) is 671 Million Tonnes. The sharpest single-year move was −10.4% in 2020.
Among the 38 countries in this dataset, U.S. ranks 2 for 2023, behind China (11,218 Million Tonnes) and India (2,814 Million Tonnes). It accounts for 13.2% 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 4,640 | −3.3% |
| 2022 | 4,798 | +0.9% |
| 2021 | 4,755 | +6.5% |
| 2020 Trough | 4,467 | −10.4% |
| 2019 | 4,983 | −3% |
| 2018 | 5,135 | +3.1% |
| 2017 | 4,980 | −1.2% |
| 2016 | 5,039 | −1.9% |
| 2015Peak | 5,138 | — |
Regional context
Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy by country, 2023, Million Tonnes. U.S. 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, energy demand, and progress toward emission reduction objectives.
The United States recorded 5.14 billion tonnes of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions in 2015, followed by a gradual decline to 5.04 billion tonnes in 2016 and 4.98 billion tonnes in 2017. Emissions increased slightly to 5.13 billion tonnes in 2018 before declining again to 4.98 billion tonnes in 2019. A significant reduction occurred in 2020, when emissions fell to 4.47 billion tonnes, reflecting reduced energy demand and economic activity. As economic conditions improved, emissions recovered to 4.76 billion tonnes in 2021 and increased marginally to 4.80 billion tonnes in 2022. In 2023, emissions declined once more to 4.64 billion tonnes, remaining below pre-2020 levels.
Overall, the dataset demonstrates a moderate long-term downward trend despite temporary fluctuations during the observed period. While economic recovery contributed to higher emissions after 2020, the overall trajectory indicates gradual improvements in energy efficiency, increased deployment of cleaner energy sources, and evolving energy consumption patterns. The decline between 2015 and 2023 suggests continued progress toward lower carbon intensity across the energy sector.
The dataset is valuable for evaluating long-term emission performance, monitoring decarbonization progress, supporting climate policy assessments, and benchmarking the United States against other major economies. It also provides a reliable foundation for forecasting future energy-related emissions, analyzing sustainability initiatives, and understanding the relationship between economic growth, energy consumption, and environmental outcomes.
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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.
U.S. Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy was 4,640 Million Tonnes in 2023, down 3.3% on 2022.
U.S. Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy moved from 5,138 Million Tonnes in 2015 to 4,640 Million Tonnes in 2023 (−9.7%), an average of −1.3% a year. The series high was 5,138 Million Tonnes in 2015 and the low 4,467 Million Tonnes in 2020.
The highest value was 5,138 Million Tonnes in 2015 and the lowest was 4,467 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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