Historical CO2 emissions in the U.S. 1800-2019

As of 2019, the United States had emitted a cumulative total of 410.2 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide from fossil fuels and cement production. This is more than any other country, making the U.S. the biggest historical carbon polluter of all time.

The industrial revolution reaching the U.S.

The United States was still in its infancy when the industrial revolution first started in Europe, and by 1800 it had emitted just 250,000 metric tons carbon dioxide. In comparison, countries in Europe - mainly the United Kingdom - had already released millions of tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere from industrial activities. However, the U.S. would soon catch up and become a major global power. Once the industrial revolution had reached the U.S., its economy shifted from agricultural to industrial, which saw emissions soared.

Post-WW2 emissions

By 1950, the U.S. was already responsible for 40 percent of global cumulative CO2 emissions produced since 1750. Although annual CO2 emissions in the U.S. have been falling in recent years, it has still emitted more carbon dioxide than any other country in history. Since the industrial revolution began, the U.S. has emitted roughly a quarter of global cumulative CO2 emissions.