Global CO2 emissions per person by select country 2020

Qatar has the highest per capita carbon dioxide emissions worldwide, at 30.7 metric tons per person. Countries in the Middle East had high levels emissions, especially when compared to countries in Africa.

Greenhouse gas emissions worldwide

Some of the Middle East’s largest oil producing countries, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia are among the world’s largest carbon dioxide (CO2) emitters per capita. Developed countries such as the United States and South Korea also show disproportionately high levels of emission per inhabitant. Despite a relatively low population for its size, Canada’s CO2 emissions have recently reached more than 500 million metric tons, and is amongst the largest producers of CO2 emissions worldwide.

Rising emissions

Global greenhouse gas emissions have been on the rise since the industrial revolution began approximately 200 years ago. However, over the past 50 years carbon dioxide emissions have skyrocketed, and climbed to a record high in 2019. Emissions fell considerably the following year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused disruptions to transportation and industrial activities.