The global transportation sector is a major polluter, producing more than seven billion metric tons of carbon dioxide (GtCO₂) a year. Cars and vans were the biggest source of transportation emissions that year, accounting for approximately 48 percent of global transportation emissions.
Road transportation emissions
Global CO₂ emissions from cars and vans have reached a peak of 3.6 GtCO₂ in 2019, before plummeting 11 percent the following year. Car emissions fell dramatically in 2020 due to the outbreak of COVID-19, and the subsequent restrictions on mobility. While emissions have increased since then, they remain below pre-pandemic levels. Meanwhile, Medium and heavy trucks accounted for roughly a quarter of transportation emissions in 2022, despite them representing a small share of vehicles.
Where are transportation emissions highest?
The United States is by far the largest producer of transportation emissions worldwide. Between 1975 and 2007, U.S. transportation sector CO₂ emissions increased 56 percent to over two billion metric tons. Although emissions have fallen since then, they still amounted to more than 1.8 GtCO₂ in 2022.
Distribution of carbon dioxide emissions produced by the transportation sector worldwide in 2022, by sub sector
*Figures may not total 100% due to rounding. Figures have been calculated by Statista using data provided by the source. Figures have been compiled from multiple reports. Pipeline transport is excluded
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IEA. (July 11, 2023). Distribution of carbon dioxide emissions produced by the transportation sector worldwide in 2022, by sub sector [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved December 14, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1185535/transport-carbon-dioxide-emissions-breakdown/
IEA. "Distribution of carbon dioxide emissions produced by the transportation sector worldwide in 2022, by sub sector." Chart. July 11, 2023. Statista. Accessed December 14, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1185535/transport-carbon-dioxide-emissions-breakdown/
IEA. (2023). Distribution of carbon dioxide emissions produced by the transportation sector worldwide in 2022, by sub sector. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: December 14, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1185535/transport-carbon-dioxide-emissions-breakdown/
IEA. "Distribution of Carbon Dioxide Emissions Produced by The Transportation Sector Worldwide in 2022, by Sub Sector." Statista, Statista Inc., 11 Jul 2023, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1185535/transport-carbon-dioxide-emissions-breakdown/
IEA, Distribution of carbon dioxide emissions produced by the transportation sector worldwide in 2022, by sub sector Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1185535/transport-carbon-dioxide-emissions-breakdown/ (last visited December 14, 2024)
Distribution of carbon dioxide emissions produced by the transportation sector worldwide in 2022, by sub sector [Graph], IEA, July 11, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1185535/transport-carbon-dioxide-emissions-breakdown/