China was the biggest emitter of fossil fuel carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in 2020, accounting for 30.64 percent of global emissions. The world's top five largest polluters were responsible for roughly 60 percent of global CO2 emissions in 2020.
Cumulative emissions
Although China currently emits the highest levels of CO2 annually, it has emitted far less than the United States over the past three centuries. Since 1750, the United States has produced more than 400 billion metric tons of cumulative carbon dioxide emissions. Since the birth of the Industrial Revolution, global CO2 emissions have increased dramatically, and reached a record high in 2019.
Impact of COVID-19 on emissions
Throughout history, major events such as wars and recessions have caused emission levels to fall. In 2020, COVID-19 led to a drop in emissions as governments enforced strict lockdowns. Travel bans around the world meant the transportation sector experienced significant emission reductions. By April 2020, aviation emissions had fallen 60 percent, relative to annual mean daily emissions in 2019.
Distribution of fossil fuel CO2 emissions worldwide in 2020, by select country
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Global Carbon Project. (November 4, 2021). Distribution of fossil fuel CO2 emissions worldwide in 2020, by select country [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved August 18, 2022, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/271748/the-largest-emitters-of-co2-in-the-world/
Global Carbon Project. "Distribution of fossil fuel CO2 emissions worldwide in 2020, by select country." Chart. November 4, 2021. Statista. Accessed August 18, 2022. https://www.statista.com/statistics/271748/the-largest-emitters-of-co2-in-the-world/
Global Carbon Project. (2021). Distribution of fossil fuel CO2 emissions worldwide in 2020, by select country. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: August 18, 2022. https://www.statista.com/statistics/271748/the-largest-emitters-of-co2-in-the-world/
Global Carbon Project. "Distribution of Fossil Fuel Co2 Emissions Worldwide in 2020, by Select Country." Statista, Statista Inc., 4 Nov 2021, https://www.statista.com/statistics/271748/the-largest-emitters-of-co2-in-the-world/
Global Carbon Project, Distribution of fossil fuel CO2 emissions worldwide in 2020, by select country Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/271748/the-largest-emitters-of-co2-in-the-world/ (last visited August 18, 2022)
