Historical CO2 emissions in the U.S. 1800-2021

As of 2021, the United States had emitted a cumulative total of 422 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide (GtCO₂) from fossil fuels and industry. This accounts for roughly a quarter of historical global emissions, and makes the U.S. the biggest carbon emitter 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 CO₂. In comparison, cumulative emissions in European countries, specifically Great Britain, had already released millions of tons of CO₂ into the atmosphere from industrial activities. However, the U.S. would soon catch up and become a major global industrial power. Once the industrial revolution had reached the U.S., its economy shifted from agricultural to industrial, which saw emissions soar.

Post-WW2 emissions

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