Global cumulative CO2 emission shares by region 1750-2020
The distribution of regional cumulative carbon dioxide emissions has changed dramatically since 1750. For many decades the vast majority of emissions were produced in countries in Europe, specifically Great Britain where the industrial revolution originated. As the United States began to emerge, the global distribution changed.
By the start of the twentieth century, the United States accounted for almost a quarter of cumulative emissions, and by the 1950's this had increased to almost 40 percent. As of 2019, the United States was the biggest cumulative emitter, releasing more than 400 billion metric tons of CO2 into the atmosphere. China is now the second biggest overall emitter, having increased its share of cumulative emissions from just 0.37 percent in 1925 to 13.65 percent by 2019. The 21st century has seen emissions grow in Asia and Africa as these regions develop, whilst developed regions in the west have experienced reductions.
By the start of the twentieth century, the United States accounted for almost a quarter of cumulative emissions, and by the 1950's this had increased to almost 40 percent. As of 2019, the United States was the biggest cumulative emitter, releasing more than 400 billion metric tons of CO2 into the atmosphere. China is now the second biggest overall emitter, having increased its share of cumulative emissions from just 0.37 percent in 1925 to 13.65 percent by 2019. The 21st century has seen emissions grow in Asia and Africa as these regions develop, whilst developed regions in the west have experienced reductions.
