Which countries emit the most CO2 today?
The latest country emissions dataset totals about 37,405.4 MtCO2, with the largest emitters concentrated among major industrial and populous economies.
Key Facts
- Latest total: 37,405.4 MtCO2
- Top country in chart: China
- Trend: emissions remain highly concentrated by country
Graph
Explanation
Country CO2 emissions usually describe territorial fossil fuel and industry emissions released within national borders. They are different from atmospheric CO2 concentration, which measures how much CO2 is already mixed into the air. Country rankings help explain where current emissions come from, but they do not by themselves show historical responsibility, consumption-based emissions or per-person emissions. Those views are useful complements when comparing countries.