Meghan Hodges
China is the world's largest emitter of carbon dioxide, with 11,903 million metric tons emitted in 2023. This accounts for 27% of the world's greenhouse gases. China's carbon emissions are primarily due to its reliance on coal, which accounts for roughly 70% of its electricity generation. China's emissions have increased in recent years, and it has been reported that they exceed those of all developed nations combined. The United States is the second-largest emitter, with approximately 5.9 billion tons of carbon dioxide emitted annually. However, the average Chinese person uses far less energy than the average American, with China's large population contributing to its high emissions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| China's share of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2019 | 27% |
| China's ranking among countries with the highest carbon dioxide emissions | 1st |
| China's carbon dioxide emissions compared to those of all other developed economies combined as of 2023 | 15% higher |
| China's carbon dioxide emissions compared to the US | 12.7 billion metric tons vs 5.9 billion tons annually |
| China's carbon dioxide emissions compared to the US in 2023 | 11,903 million metric tons vs 5.9 billion tons annually |
| China's ranking among countries with the highest emissions as of 2023 | 1st |
| China's ranking among the world's polluters | 1st |
| China's per capita carbon dioxide emissions compared to the US in 1973 | 1/20th |
| China's per capita carbon dioxide emissions compared to the US in 2000 | 1/7th |
| China's per capita carbon dioxide emissions compared to the US in 2021 | 1/2 |
| China's per capita carbon dioxide emissions compared to India in 1973 | 2.9 vs 0.9 |
| China's per capita carbon dioxide emissions compared to India in 2021 | 2.25 |
| China's ranking among the world's largest emitter of carbon dioxide by region | 1st |
| China's share of global emissions | More than 1/4th |
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What You'll Learn
China is the world's largest emitter of carbon dioxide
China's large population also contributes to its high carbon dioxide emissions. With over 1.4 billion people, China is the world's most populous country. While the average Chinese person uses far less energy than the average American, the country's large population means that its per-person emissions are still significant. China's emissions have more than tripled over the past three decades, and the country has pledged to take action to reduce them. In 2020, Chinese leader Xi Jinping pledged to peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060. China plans to reduce its dependence on coal and decrease overall pollution in large cities by generating more electricity using nuclear, renewable energy sources, and natural gas.
China's carbon dioxide emissions have significant global impacts. According to NASA's Climate Science division, the amount of carbon dioxide in Earth's atmosphere has increased by 50% in the roughly 200 years since the Industrial Revolution began, warming the planet and causing climate change. As the world's largest emitter of carbon dioxide, China plays a crucial role in global efforts to combat climate change. China has recognized the importance of addressing climate change and has committed to working with other countries to tackle this issue.
China's carbon dioxide emissions are not only a domestic concern but also a global issue. As the world's largest emitter, China's actions to reduce emissions can have a significant impact on global efforts to mitigate climate change. The country's pledge to peak emissions and achieve carbon neutrality is a positive step towards a more sustainable future. However, there are challenges to overcoming this issue, including longstanding tensions between China and other countries, particularly the United States, over their respective roles and responsibilities in addressing climate change.
Overall, China's status as the world's largest emitter of carbon dioxide underscores the urgent need for global cooperation and concerted efforts to transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. China's actions and commitments towards reducing emissions are crucial in the global fight against climate change.
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Fossil fuels are the primary source of China's CO2 emissions
China is the world's largest emitter of carbon dioxide, producing 12.7 billion metric tons of emissions annually. The primary source of these emissions is fossil fuels, with coal being the most significant contributor. About 58% of the total energy generated by China comes from coal, and because coal is rich in carbon, burning it releases large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. China is also one of the largest importers of oil, which contributes to its CO2 emissions through the use of motor vehicles.
China's industrial production is largely powered by coal, and rapid urbanization has intensified the country's CO2 emissions. Industries such as cement and steel production, which are necessary for infrastructure, also produce significant amounts of CO2. Additionally, China's power plants generate emissions by burning fossil fuels to produce electricity and heat.
The transportation sector is another significant source of China's CO2 emissions. Despite the growth of electric vehicles, cars still rely predominantly on oil-based fuels, contributing to the country's emissions. Fossil fuel heating is also a predominant source of residential emissions.
China has recognized the need to reduce its CO2 emissions and has made commitments to address this issue. In 2020, China's leader Xi Jinping announced that the country would aim to peak its CO2 emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060. China has also pledged to increase the share of non-fossil fuels in its energy consumption, with targets of reaching 20-25% by 2030.
While China is the largest emitter of carbon dioxide, it is important to note that the average Chinese person uses far less energy than the average American. China's large population means that its per-person emissions are lower than those of the United States. However, China's emissions have been increasing, and there are ongoing efforts to reduce them and combat climate change.
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China's per capita emissions are lower than the US
China is the world's biggest emitter of carbon dioxide, producing 12.7 billion metric tons of emissions annually. This is significantly higher than the US, which emits around 5.9 billion tons per year. However, China's per capita emissions are lower than those of the US. The average Chinese person is responsible for about 10.1 tons of carbon pollution annually, compared to 17.6 tons for the average American.
China's large population plays a significant role in its overall emissions output. With a population of over 1.4 billion people, China's per capita emissions are much lower than those of the US, which has a population of about one-quarter the size. In 2019, China's per capita emissions were slightly higher than the global average but were similar to Germany's, about half those of the US, and one-third of Australia's. China's per capita emissions are also far behind those of the EU on a historical basis.
Meat consumption is another factor influencing per capita emissions. China's meat consumption per capita is 35% below the world average and 50% less than that of Vietnam. In comparison, the average Chinese person consumes 85% less meat than their American counterpart. China has issued dietary guidelines recommending lower meat consumption for health and nutrition reasons, which has been interpreted as an effort to reduce carbon emissions.
While China's per capita emissions are lower than those of the US, the country has faced criticism for its climate change response. China's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement have been rated as ""highly insufficient"" by the Climate Action Tracker. However, China has pledged to reach net-zero emissions by 2060 and is taking steps to increase the use of low-carbon technologies.
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China's emissions have tripled in the last three decades
China is the world's largest emitter of carbon dioxide, producing 12.7 billion metric tons of emissions annually. This accounts for 27% of the world's greenhouse gases. In comparison, the US emits about 5.9 billion tons annually. China's emissions have tripled over the previous three decades, with the primary source of these emissions being fossil fuels, most notably coal.
About 58% of the total energy generated in China comes from coal, and because coal is rich in carbon, burning it releases large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. China's industrial production is largely powered by coal, and rapid urbanization has also intensified the country's carbon dioxide emissions. Additionally, China is one of the largest importers of oil, which contributes to emissions through the use of motor vehicles.
China's emissions targets do not yet reflect a rapid transition away from fossil fuels. While the country has made significant progress in deploying renewable energy sources, it is also experiencing a surge in coal power construction. China's oil demand has also risen following the pandemic, and fossil gas use continues to undermine its transition to net zero.
However, there are signs of progress. China's oil demand declined in 2024 as transport electrification advanced, and the country is on track to meet its target of generating 25% of its energy from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. China is also a global leader in the manufacturing of renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles, and batteries.
China has pledged to reach net-zero emissions by 2060, with a peak in emissions by 2030. While there are challenges ahead, China's efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources are gaining momentum.
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China has pledged to reach net-zero emissions by 2060
China is the world's largest emitter of carbon dioxide, with 11,903 million metric tons emitted in 2023. The country emitted 27% of the world's greenhouse gases in 2019, with the US in second place at 11%. China's emissions more than tripled over the three decades prior to 2021, and the average Chinese person uses far less energy than the average American. China's large emissions are due to its reliance on coal, which accounts for about 58% of the country's total energy generation, as well as its status as one of the largest importers of oil.
In recent years, China has taken steps to address its contribution to global pollution and climate change. In 2020, President Xi Jinping pledged that China would reach net-zero emissions by 2060, with a peak no later than 2030. This pledge was reiterated by Xi at a climate summit organised by US President Joe Biden in 2021, and in the country's Mid-Century Long-Term Low Greenhouse Gas Emission Development Strategy (LTS) submitted in 2021.
The LTS clarifies that the net-zero target only covers CO2 emissions, not all greenhouse gases. China has committed to implementing green building standards in all new buildings by 2025 and achieving a 40% market share of new energy vehicles (NEVs) by 2030. The country also aims to reduce carbon emissions from the transportation sector by more than 10% in 2030 compared to 2020, and by more than 30% by 2050. China has further pledged to increase the share of its non-fossil fuel energy like wind, solar and nuclear to 25%.
While China's net-zero pledge has been welcomed by the international community, there is a lack of detail on how the country plans to achieve this goal. It is hoped that the country's 14th Five-Year Plan (5YP) from 2021-25 will outline measures to reduce the use of coal and increase renewables. If China fulfils Xi's goal, it could prevent 0.2-0.4°C further warming for the world, according to estimates by MIT management professor John Sterman.
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Frequently asked questions
China is the world's largest polluter, producing 11.9 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions in 2023.
China emits more greenhouse gases than all developed nations combined. In 2019, China emitted 27% of the world's greenhouse gases, while the US emitted 11%, and India 6.6%.
The primary source of China's carbon dioxide emissions is fossil fuels, most notably coal. About 58% of the total energy generated by China comes from coal, and because coal is rich in carbon, burning it releases large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
The average Chinese person uses far less energy than the average American, about 10.1 tons of carbon pollution annually compared to 17.6 tons in the US. However, China's per capita emissions are rising while the US's are falling. In 1973, US per capita emissions were 20 times those of China, but by 2021, US per capita emissions were only about twice as large as China's.
China plans to reduce its dependence on coal and decrease overall pollution in large cities by generating more electricity using nuclear, renewable energy sources, and natural gas. China has also vowed to reach net-zero emissions by 2060, with a peak no later than 2030.
