Global greenhouse gas emissions shares 2020, by sub sector

Global net greenhouse gas emissions were 47.3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (GtCO2e) in 2020. The largest emitting sector that year was the industry sector, which includes activities such as oil and gas production, coal mining, and cement. The largest overall contributor to GHG emissions in 2020 was coal-fired electricity.

Most polluting sectors

The power sector was the largest contributor to global CO2 emissions in 2021, accounting for 40 percent of the total emissions. Combined with transportation, these two polluting sectors accounted for almost 60 percent of global CO2 emissions that year. CO2 accounts for roughly three-quarters of total greenhouse gas emissions.

World's largest emitters

China accounted for 27 percent of global GHG emissions in 2021, making it the world's largest emitter. China's share of global GHG emissions was more than the combined shares of the U.S., EU-27, and India in 2021.