Climate change is a pressing global issue that requires countries to collaborate and devise strategies beyond their borders to tackle emissions. In this article, we explore the top 10 countries responsible for the highest carbon emissions and examine the key sectors contributing to their emissions.
These nations collectively account for over two-thirds of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with the top three alone responsible for 42.6% of the total emissions.
The data is based on 2019 historical emissions from Climate Watch Data.
10. Canada
Known for its breathtaking landscapes, such as the Rocky Mountains and Niagara Falls, Canada is also renowned for its abundant natural resources, including oil, gas, and minerals.
The country contributes approximately 730 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTco2e) annually, the primary sources are:
- Electricity and heat generation
- Transportation
- Buildings
Canada faces unique challenges in addressing emissions due to its vast size and diverse geography, particularly in remote and northern regions. Furthermore, Canada currently seems unable of kicking its oil and gas addiction, most recently approving an offshore oil and gas megaproject in April 2022.
To demonstrate its commitment, Canada passed the Net Zero Emissions Accountability Act in 2021, aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
9. Iran
Situated in the Middle East, Iran boasts a rich history and cultural heritage. The country emits nearly 900 MTco2e each year, primarily stemming from:
- Electricity and heat generation
- ‘fugitive emissions’ (such as leaks from oil and gas operations)
- Transportation
Iran’s climate targets and policies have been rated as “Critically insufficient” by the Climate Action Tracker, indicating a lack of action and inconsistency with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Iran recently discovered a new lithium deposit, a vital component in battery technology. This finding may contribute to its resurgence on the geopolitical stage after years of economic sanctions as countries scramble to build the infrastructure required for a fully renewable energy system.
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8. Indonesia
As the world’s largest archipelago, Indonesia is celebrated for its stunning tropical rainforests, beautiful beaches, and unique wildlife, including orangutans and Komodo dragons. The country emits slightly over 1,000 MTco2e annually, with emissions coming from:
- Electricity and heat energy
- Agriculture
- Transportation
Indonesia has set a net zero target for 2060 and updated its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) in September 2022, enhancing its commitments to reduce emissions.
Notably, around 60% of the country’s emissions reduction effort focuses on forestry, with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry implementing measures to prevent deforestation, conserve natural forests, and enhance carbon sinks in peatlands and mangroves.
7. Brazil
Located in South America, Brazil is internationally recognised for its vibrant culture, diverse ecosystems, and the iconic Amazon rainforest. The country contributes 1,057 MTco2e in emissions annually, primarily driven by:
- Agriculture
- Transportation
- Electricity and heat generation
Brazil has been actively combating deforestation and illegal logging, implementing stricter environmental regulations, and promoting renewable energy sources to mitigate its environmental impact. The country is the world’s second-largest producer of hydropower.
In the 2022 presidential race, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva emerged victorious, signalling a shift in Brazil’s climate stance. President Lula has since emphasised Brazil’s renewed commitment, announcing that “Brazil is back” as a leader confronting climate change.
6. Japan
Japan, an island nation in East Asia, is globally acknowledged for its technological advancements, rich history, and unique cultural traditions. The country emits over 1,160 MTco2e annually, with the main sources of emissions being:
- Electricity and heat
- Transportation
- Manufacturing and construction
Japan has made substantial investments in sustainable energy solutions such as solar and wind power to reduce its carbon footprint, and looking at current trends, renewables look to account for 34.6% of the energy mix by 2030.
Since the Fukushima nuclear disaster resulting from a devastating tsunami in 2011, Japan’s nuclear capacity has decreased significantly. However, the government recently adopted the Green Transformation (GX) Basic Policy, aiming to generate substantial public-private investment for decarbonisation efforts in key industrial sectors.
5. Russia
Spanning two continents, Russia is the largest country in the world, known for its vast landscapes like the Siberian tundra and the majestic Ural Mountains. The country contributes 2,476 MTco2e in emissions annually, primarily from:
- Electricity and heat generation
- Fugitive emissions
- manufacturing and construction
Russia’s recent invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has underscored the importance of reducing global demand for fossil fuels, and the damage to its Nord Stream gas pipeline resulted in significant methane emissions.
Unfortunately, Russia’s efforts to tackle climate change remain inadequate. According to the Climate Action Tracker, its relevant policies “are unambitious or have an unclear expected effect on emissions.”
4. European Union (EU)
Although not a country itself, the European Union (EU) comprises 27 member countries and is recognised for its cultural diversity, historic landmarks, and commitment to environmental sustainability.
Collectively, the EU emits 3,383 MTco2e annually, making it a significant contributor to global emissions. The EU’s emissions have shown a decreasing trend, with a notable decline in 2020 due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, emissions rebounded by 5% in 2021 with the economic recovery. The EU’s major emission sources include:
- Electricity and heat
- Transportation
- Buildings
The EU has been at the forefront of global climate initiatives, exemplified by the European Green Deal, a comprehensive policy framework targeting climate neutrality by 2050.
3. India
Situated in South Asia, India is renowned for its diverse cultures, ancient heritage, and bustling cities. The country emits just under 3,400 MTco2e each year, its main emissions come from:
- Electricity and heat
- Agriculture
- Manufacturing and construction
It is important to note, although India ranks high among emitters due to its large population, its emissions per person (per capita) are actually significantly lower than the other countries on this list.
India has set a late net zero emissions goal for 2070 and during the Glasgow Climate Pact negotiations, its leaders advocated for the use of the term “phasing down” rather than “phasing out” coal in the power sector, which led to many calling the result “watered down”. Despite this inclusion, India has remained committed to expanding its coal capacity in the near future.
2. United States
Stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, the United States is renowned for its technological innovations and iconic landmarks. The country contributes a significant 6,001 MTco2e in emissions annually, the top sources are:
- Electricity and heat
- Transportation
- buildings
The US has been striving to transition to cleaner energy sources, increasing the utilisation of renewable energy, and setting ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change.
In 2022, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the most ambitious and potentially impactful climate policy in US history, which sets the country on a path to achieve a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 2005 levels.
1. China
With a population of 1.4 billion, China is the world’s most populous country. It boasts a rich cultural heritage spanning thousands of years and serves as a global economic powerhouse.
China faces significant environmental challenges due to its high emissions. The country emits a staggering 12,705 MTco2e annually, more than double the emissions of the previous country on this list. The main sources of these emissions are:
- Electricity and heat generation
- Manufacturing and construction
- industrial processes
By investing in both renewable energy and nuclear power, China is making progress in reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and fighting climate change. This demonstrates China’s commitment to a cleaner and more sustainable future and sets an example for other countries to follow.
Cement production, known for its high emissions, contributes significantly to China’s carbon footprint. China is recognised as the undisputable global leader in renewable energy expansion, adding new projects to the grid almost as fast as the rest of the world combined in 2022.
One thing that makes China different from other countries is its support for nuclear power. China has fully embraced the technology and with 55 functioning nuclear plants and 23 more under construction, the country is currently the world’s fastest-growing producer of nuclear power.
However, with further ambitious plans for renewable energy expansion at the national and provincial levels, the country still remains dependent on carbon-intensive fossil fuels for the foreseeable future.
