In recent decades, measurements of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions have indicated significant decreases as a result of major events taking place around the world. The global recession of 1983 represented a fall of around one billion metric tons of carbon dioxide globally over four years. The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis of 2020 is forecast to represent a record decrease of global CO2 emissions at nearly 2.5 billion metric tons, mainly due to the implemented restrictions around the world on traveling, work and industrial activities.
Decrease in carbon dioxide emissions worldwide between 1945 and 2020, by major historical event
(in million metric tons of carbon dioxide)
Year (Event)
Decrease in emissions in million metric tons of CO2
* Emissions reduced over 2 years in the 1970s recession. Emissions reduced over 4 years in the early 1980s recession.
** Projected five percent fall in 2020 based on current restrictions on travel, work and industry.
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The Guardian. (April 12, 2020). Decrease in carbon dioxide emissions worldwide between 1945 and 2020, by major historical event (in million metric tons of carbon dioxide) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved October 04, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1111452/co2-emissions-decrease-due-to-major-historical-events-globally/
The Guardian. "Decrease in carbon dioxide emissions worldwide between 1945 and 2020, by major historical event (in million metric tons of carbon dioxide)." Chart. April 12, 2020. Statista. Accessed October 04, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1111452/co2-emissions-decrease-due-to-major-historical-events-globally/
The Guardian. (2020). Decrease in carbon dioxide emissions worldwide between 1945 and 2020, by major historical event (in million metric tons of carbon dioxide). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: October 04, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1111452/co2-emissions-decrease-due-to-major-historical-events-globally/
The Guardian. "Decrease in Carbon Dioxide Emissions Worldwide between 1945 and 2020, by Major Historical Event (in Million Metric Tons of Carbon Dioxide)." Statista, Statista Inc., 12 Apr 2020, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1111452/co2-emissions-decrease-due-to-major-historical-events-globally/
The Guardian, Decrease in carbon dioxide emissions worldwide between 1945 and 2020, by major historical event (in million metric tons of carbon dioxide) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1111452/co2-emissions-decrease-due-to-major-historical-events-globally/ (last visited October 04, 2024)
Decrease in carbon dioxide emissions worldwide between 1945 and 2020, by major historical event (in million metric tons of carbon dioxide) [Graph], The Guardian, April 12, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1111452/co2-emissions-decrease-due-to-major-historical-events-globally/
