U.S. fossil CO₂ emissions per capita 1970-2021

Per capita carbon dioxide emissions in the United States totaled 14.24 metric tons in 2021. This was an increase of nearly six percent in comparison to 2020 levels, when emissions fell due to the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic. Per capita emissions from fossil fuel combustion and industrial activities have dropped substantially since 1973, when the average U.S. American produced 23.2 metric tons of carbon dioxide.

Per capita carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels in the United States from 1970 to 2021 (in metric tons)

Characteristic	CO₂ emissions in metric tons per capita
2021	14.24
2020	13.47
2019	15.23
2018	15.81
2017	15.43
2016	15.76
2015	16.19
2014	16.65
2013	16.71
2012	16.39
2011	17.21
2010	18.05
2009	17.4
2008	18.94
2007	19.74
2006	19.63
2005	20.16
2004	20.31
2003	20.2
2002	20.14
2001	20.91
2000	21.29
1999	20.95
1998	21.16
1997	21.25
1996	20.49
1995	20.18
1994	20.21
1993	20.1
1992	19.84
1991	19.71
1990	20.07
1989	20.7
1988	20.66
1987	19.95
1986	19.49
1985	19.84
1984	19.92
1983	19.22
1982	19.49
1981	20.73
1980	21.23
1979	22.42
1978	22.46
1977	22.72
1976	22.19
1975	21.05
1974	22.23
1973	23.2
1972	22.53
1971	21.55
1970	22.39

Zoomable Statistic: Select the range in the chart you want to zoom in on.

Loading statistic...

Download

Source

Show detailed source information?

Already a member?

Sources

Use Ask Statista Research Service

Release date

2022

More information

Region

United States

Survey time period

1970 to 2021

Supplementary notes

Figures have been rounded.
Emissions include sources from fossil fuel use (combustion, flaring), industrial processes (cement, steel, chemicals and urea) and product use. Short cycle carbon CO₂ is not included.

Citation formats