Meghan Hodges
The United States and China are the world's largest greenhouse gas emitters and the largest economies. China is the world's largest emitter of carbon dioxide, producing 12.7 billion metric tons of emissions annually, more than twice as much as the US. However, per person, the US emits twice as much carbon dioxide as China. US per capita plastic waste production is also higher than China's, at 17% of the world's plastic waste, compared to China's contribution of one-third. China is also the largest exporter of plastic products and the largest contributor to marine plastic debris.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Largest emitter of carbon dioxide | China |
| Per capita emissions in 2021 | US: twice that of China |
| Per capita emissions in 2019 | US: 17.6 tons, China: 10.1 tons |
| Total emissions since 1850 | US: 509 billion tons, China: 284 billion tons |
| Total emissions from 1750 to 2018 | US: 404.77 billion tons, China: 210.20 billion tons |
| Percentage of global emissions in 2019 | China: 27%, US: 11% |
| Annual emissions in 2019 | China: 14.1 billion metric tons, US: 5.7 billion tons |
| Annual emissions in 2020 | China: 12.7 billion metric tons |
| Annual emissions in 2019 before the pandemic | China: nearly 2.5 times that of the US |
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What You'll Learn
China's annual emissions are about double those of the US
China and the US are the world's two largest polluters and greenhouse gas emitters. While China emitted 284 billion tons of carbon dioxide since 1850, the US, which industrialised much earlier, has released nearly twice that amount: 509 billion tons of emissions. However, China's annual emissions are about double those of the US, and it produces 12.7 billion metric tons of emissions each year.
The US has been taking steps to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions, and they have been on a downward trend in recent years. In 2020, US exports of plastic waste decreased, mainly because China and some other countries restricted imports. The US has also been moving away from coal and towards natural gas and renewable energy sources. Despite these efforts, the US emitted 11% of the world's greenhouse gases in 2019, while China emitted 27%. China's emissions have more than tripled over the previous three decades, and they continue to rise, largely due to manufacturing.
In 2021, the US had already "overspent" its carbon budget, meaning it had emitted more carbon dioxide than it would be allowed based on its population. China, on the other hand, had emitted less than its population-based budget. However, China insists that as a developing country, it should be allowed more leeway to pollute. This stance has created tensions with the US, which is trying to challenge China's dominance in clean technology manufacturing. Despite these tensions, the two countries have committed to working together to tackle climate change.
While China's annual emissions are about double those of the US, it's important to consider per capita emissions. The average Chinese person uses far less energy than the average American, with annual emissions of 10.1 tons of carbon pollution compared to 17.6 tons in the US. This means that while China's total emissions are higher, the US emits nearly twice as much carbon dioxide per person.
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China is the world's biggest emitter of carbon dioxide
China is the world's largest emitter of carbon dioxide, with 11,903 million metric tons emitted in 2023. The primary source of these emissions is fossil fuels, most notably coal. About 58% of the total energy generated in China comes from coal, and burning it releases large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. China is also one of the largest importers of oil, which contributes to emissions through motor vehicle use. The country's carbon intensity is more than double the global average, with wide variations between its most and least carbon-intensive provinces.
China's heavy industries, such as steel and cement production, are responsible for half of the increase in coal consumption during 2002-2013. The steel industry is China's second-largest emitter after electricity generation, and investment in coal-based steelmaking continues. This prominence of heavy industries explains the very high carbon intensity of China's economy. Additionally, China's agricultural sector also contributes significantly to emissions, with the World Resources Institute (WRI) data putting emissions at 692MtCO2e in 2014.
In recent years, GHG emissions from transport have grown rapidly in China, with road transportation contributing 84% of the transport sector's total greenhouse gas emissions. By 2022, China had 417 million registered motor vehicles, up from 5.5 million in 1990. However, there are signs that this trend may be reversing, with EV adoption curbing petrol demand growth in 2023.
While China is the largest annual emitter of carbon dioxide, the United States has emitted far more over the past three centuries. Since 1750, the US has produced more than 400 billion metric tons of cumulative carbon dioxide emissions, nearly twice as much as China. Per capita emissions in the US are also higher, with the average American emitting nearly twice as much carbon dioxide as the average Chinese person.
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US per person emissions are twice as large as China's
The US and China are the world's largest greenhouse gas emitters and the largest economies. While China emits more carbon dioxide annually than the US, per person, the US emits twice as much carbon dioxide as China.
In 2021, the US's per person carbon dioxide emissions were nearly twice as large as China's and nearly eight times as large as India's. 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.
China emitted 27% of the world's greenhouse gases in 2019, while the US was the second-largest emitter at 11%. China's emissions more than tripled over the previous three decades, according to the US-based Rhodium Group. China has vowed to reach net-zero emissions by 2060, with a peak no later than 2030.
The US has also been taking steps to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions. Since the 1970s, the US has lowered its per capita carbon dioxide emissions and has been moving away from coal towards natural gas and renewable energy. The US is party to the 2015 Paris Agreement, which aims to limit the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.
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China's emissions tripled over the last three decades
China's emissions have tripled over the last three decades, with a 25% increase in the last decade alone. In 2019, China's emissions surpassed those of all developed countries combined, reaching over 14 gigatons of CO2-equivalent. China's per capita emissions have also nearly tripled over the past two decades and continue to rise. This dramatic rise in emissions is largely due to the country's heavy reliance on coal power, with more than half of the world's coal plants located in China.
While China's emissions have rapidly increased, the United States still remains one of the top contributors to global emissions. The US has emitted nearly twice as much carbon dioxide as China since 1850, with 509 billion tons of emissions compared to China's 284 billion tons. However, in recent years, China's annual emissions have dwarfed those of the US, producing 12.7 billion metric tons of emissions annually, more than twice as much as the US.
Despite these figures, it is important to note that the average Chinese person uses far less energy than the average American. Per person, the US emits almost twice as much carbon dioxide as China. This is due in part to the US's long history of industrialization, which has given it a head start in emissions. Additionally, much of China's rising emissions are related to manufacturing, with many of the resulting products purchased by American consumers.
China has recognized the need to reduce its emissions and has vowed to reach net-zero emissions by 2060, with a peak no later than 2030. However, China's current climate targets do not align with this pledge, as they would allow emissions to increase by another 10-15% from 2022 levels. China's transition away from fossil fuels will depend on a variety of economic and political factors, and it remains to be seen whether the country will successfully curb its emissions in the coming years.
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China's NDC rating is highly insufficient to tackle warming
China and the US are the world's largest greenhouse gas emitters and the world's green tech powerhouses. China is the world's biggest emitter of carbon dioxide, producing 12.7 billion metric tons of emissions annually. The US has emitted 509 billion tons of carbon dioxide since 1850, almost twice as much as China. However, per person, the US emits twice as much carbon dioxide as China.
China's NDC rating is "Highly Insufficient", indicating that its 2030 domestic targets need substantial improvements to be consistent with the 1.5°C temperature limit agreed upon in the Paris Agreement. China's unconditional NDC and policies are rated as "Insufficient" compared to its fair share. China's emission levels under its NDC commitments are higher than what would be deemed 1.5°C compatible compared to a "fair share" approach. If all countries were to follow China's approach, warming would reach over 2°C and up to 4°C.
China's suite of sectoral 14th Five-Year Plans sets out a range of mitigation measures to prepare the country for a post-coal transition, but it is unable to counter the growing energy demand and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. China is significantly off track to meet its 2025 emissions intensity reduction target, with less than a year remaining in the 14th Five-Year Plan period. By the end of 2024, CO2 intensity had only been reduced by 12% from 2020, making the 2025 target of 18% increasingly difficult to achieve.
To improve its rating, China should set ambitious and economy-wide absolute emission reduction targets and adopt policies to reduce its dependence on coal, setting its national emissions on a downward trend. China has pledged to submit its updated 2035 NDC targets before COP30, and it is expected that this will improve its rating.
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Frequently asked questions
China emits more carbon dioxide than the US. China is the world's largest emitter of carbon dioxide, producing 12.7 billion metric tons of emissions annually.
The US emits more carbon dioxide per person than China. The average Chinese person uses about 10.1 tons of carbon pollution annually compared to 17.6 tons in the US.
The US and China are the world's largest greenhouse gas emitters and are also the world's green tech powerhouses. Both countries are parties to the 2015 Paris Agreement, which aims to limit the increase in global temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels. The US has been taking steps to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions, with a focus on moving away from coal towards natural gas and renewable energy sources. China has vowed to reach net-zero emissions by 2060, with a peak no later than 2030.
The US and China's emissions have significant impacts on global warming. Scientists warn that without an agreement between the two countries, it will be challenging to avert dangerous climate change. The US and China are the top two emitters of greenhouse gases, with China contributing 27% of global emissions in 2019 and the US contributing 11%.
There are several hurdles in addressing climate change between the US and China, including longstanding tensions. China insists that it is a developing country and should have more flexibility in polluting, while the US challenges China's dominance in clean technology manufacturing. Diplomatic tensions between the two countries on other issues also impact their ability to cooperate on climate change.
