Helena Joyce
The United States is responsible for a significant proportion of global pollution, with a long history of high carbon dioxide emissions. In 2020, the US produced 5.2 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, making it the second-largest emitter after China, with emissions of around 11% of the world's total. In 2021, the US emitted about 5 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide, accounting for 13.49% of global emissions, more than twice that of all 28 countries in the EU combined. The US has historically emitted more per capita than any other country, and while China surpassed the US in total emissions a decade ago, the US still bears a large responsibility for global warming due to its long-term high emissions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Carbon dioxide emissions in 2022 | 79.7% |
| Methane emissions in 2022 | 11.1% |
| Nitrous oxide emissions in 2022 | 6.1% |
| Fluorinated gas emissions in 2022 | 3.1% |
| Total greenhouse gas emissions in 2020 | 5.2 billion metric tons |
| Percentage of total global emissions in 2020 | 11% |
| Percentage of total global emissions in 2021 | 13.49% |
| Percentage of total global emissions in 2022 | 13.5% |
| Percentage of global emissions based on consumption | 19.2% |
| Percentage of emissions from livestock in 2020 | 2.6% |
| Percentage of emissions from livestock during COVID-19 | 5% |
| Ranking in per capita emissions | 1st |
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What You'll Learn
The US's historical responsibility for emissions
The United States has historically been one of the world's largest emitters of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, which have significantly contributed to global warming and climate change. The US has emitted around a quarter of the world's greenhouse gases, more than any other country.
Since 1850, the US has released over 509 gigatonnes of CO2, accounting for about 20% of the global total, making it the largest contributor to historical emissions. This period, from 1850 to the present, has seen the world burn through 86% of the carbon budget for a 50-50 probability of staying below a 1.5-degree Celsius increase in global temperatures.
The US has consistently been one of the top emitters of CO2 throughout the 20th century, with emissions from burning fossil fuels, industrial production, power generation, transportation, agriculture, and other human activities. In 2020, the US emitted 5.2 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent greenhouse gases, second only to China. The US also has high greenhouse gas emissions per person, with the richest 10% emitting over 55 tonnes of CO2 per capita annually.
While the US has taken some steps towards reducing emissions, such as the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and the development of improved technology for hybrid electric vehicles, it still has a significant responsibility in addressing the climate crisis. As one of the largest cumulative emitters, the US needs to rapidly reduce emissions, support other nations in transitioning to a lower-carbon economy, and work towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.
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US emissions in a global context
The United States has historically contributed more to atmospheric carbon dioxide than any other country. With just over 4% of the world's population, the US is responsible for almost a third of the excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. In 2020, the US emitted 11% of global greenhouse gases, second only to China, which emitted 27%. In 2021, the US emitted about 13.5% of global carbon dioxide, more than twice that of all 28 countries in the European Union combined.
The US has emitted a quarter of the world's greenhouse gases to date, more than any other country. Annual emissions are over 15 tons per person, and the richest decile in the US emits over 55 tons of CO2 per capita each year. The US has emitted about 303 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide since 1959, about 21.5% of the global total. When looking at emissions based on consumption, the US is still number one, with 19.2% of historic pollution.
In 2022, US emissions comprised 79.7% carbon dioxide, 11.1% methane, 6.1% nitrous oxide, and 3.1% other gases. Methane and nitrous oxide are more potent greenhouse gases than carbon dioxide, but carbon dioxide remains in the atmosphere for centuries. The average CO2 concentration in 2024 was over 424 parts per million (ppm), and exceeded 427 ppm in February 2025—each more than 50% higher than its pre-industrial level.
The US has been burning coal, oil, and natural gas for far longer than China, which surpassed the US in total emissions a decade ago. China's emissions today are about double the American figure. Some of China's emissions are from producing goods for the US and other rich countries. The US has been slow to transition away from fossil fuels, with coal-fired power stations gradually shutting down, and the transportation sector now the largest single source of emissions.
The US has a large role to play in finding solutions for climate change, given its outsized contribution to the problem. The US has committed to reducing emissions by joining the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels. However, under the Trump administration, the US withdrew from the agreement, dealing a setback to global efforts to address climate change.
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US emissions by sector
The United States has historically emitted more carbon dioxide than any other country, contributing almost a third of the excess carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere. While China surpassed the US in total emissions a decade ago, the US still released about 5 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide in 2021, accounting for about 13.49% of global emissions. When it comes to US emissions by sector, several key areas stand out:
Transportation Sector
The transportation sector is the largest source of direct greenhouse gas emissions in the US. This includes burning fossil fuels for cars, trucks, ships, trains, and planes. Over 94% of the fuel used in this sector is petroleum-based, resulting in significant direct emissions. The near-complete dependence on petroleum fuels in this sector makes it a major contributor to the country's carbon footprint.
Industrial Sector
The industrial sector is responsible for the third-largest source of direct emissions in the US. Greenhouse gas emissions in this sector primarily arise from burning fossil fuels for energy and specific chemical reactions required to transform raw materials into goods. When indirect emissions from electricity use are considered, industrial activities account for a much larger share of US greenhouse gas emissions.
Commercial and Residential Sector
The commercial and residential sector involves greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels for heat and using gases for refrigeration and cooling in buildings. This sector also includes non-building-specific emissions, such as waste handling. When indirect emissions from electricity end-use are included, emissions from this sector increase substantially due to the high electricity consumption in buildings.
Electric Power Sector
The electric power sector includes emissions from electricity production used by other end-use sectors, such as industry. In 2022, 60% of electricity in the US came from burning fossil fuels, mainly coal and natural gas. While this sector may not be an end-use sector for electricity, it still contributes to the country's overall emissions.
Other Sectors
Other sectors, such as agriculture and waste management, also contribute to US emissions. For example, nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas, is emitted through the use of nitrogen fertilizers in agriculture and burning fossil fuels and certain industrial processes.
While the US has taken steps to reduce its emissions, it has also faced criticism for withdrawing from international agreements like the Paris Climate Deal, impacting global efforts to address climate change.
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US emissions by state
The United States is one of the largest emitters of carbon dioxide in the world. While the country has taken several steps to reduce its emissions, the numbers continue to fluctuate. Here is a detailed breakdown of US emissions by state.
Texas
Texas is the state with the highest total carbon dioxide emissions in the US. In 2022, the state produced 663 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, more than double the carbon emitted by California. Texas has seen an increase in transport-related emissions due to increased diesel fuel, motor gasoline, and jet fuel consumption. The state has also witnessed a rise in emissions from commercial buildings.
California
California is the second-largest producer of carbon dioxide emissions in the US. The state's transportation sector is the largest contributor to its GHG emissions. However, California has made significant progress in reducing fuel use by transitioning to a cleaner transportation sector.
Wyoming
Wyoming has the highest carbon dioxide emissions per capita in the US. This is mainly due to the state's extensive coal production, which accounts for about 40% of the country's total coal output. Wyoming's emissions are also attributed to electricity generation.
North Dakota
North Dakota is the second-highest state in terms of carbon emissions per capita, with 74.26 metric tons. The state has a large coal mining industry and a significant agricultural sector, both of which contribute to its CO2 emissions. Agriculture-related emissions arise from farming equipment and the application of pesticides and harvesting crops.
Vermont
Vermont has the lowest carbon emissions in the US, with 5.8 million metric tons. It is the second least populated state and the sixth smallest by area.
While these states represent the extremes in terms of emissions, it is important to note that emissions trends can vary over time, and states may move up or down in their rankings. Additionally, the methods used to calculate emissions data may differ between states, which can impact the accuracy of the rankings.
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US efforts to reduce emissions
The United States is the second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, with emissions accounting for roughly 14% of the worldwide total. In 2019, the US emitted 11% of global greenhouse gas emissions, second only to China, which emitted 27%. The US has emitted a quarter of the world's greenhouse gases, more than any other country.
Despite this, the US has made efforts to reduce its emissions and combat climate change. The US is one of the nearly 200 countries that are parties to the 2015 Paris Agreement, which aims to limit the increase in global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with an ideal target of 1.5°C.
- The US has made significant investments in clean energy and electric vehicles, while reducing its use of climate-polluting fossil fuels. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 invested in research, development, and manufacturing of technologies like solar panels and electric vehicles.
- The Renewable Fuel Standard under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 ensures that gasoline sold in the US contains a specific volume of renewable fuel.
- The FreedomCAR and Fuel Partnership and Vehicle Technologies Program work jointly with the DOE's hydrogen, fuel cell, and infrastructure R&D efforts to develop improved technology for hybrid electric vehicles.
- The Clean Cities initiative supports energy efficiency and clean fuel efforts in local transportation contexts.
- The Biden Administration increased funding for the National Forest Service and other programs that support the preservation of carbon sinks and nature-based climate mitigation activities.
- The US has achieved about one-third of its 2030 emissions reduction target as of 2022, with projections suggesting a further 30%-44% reduction by 2030.
However, there are also areas where the US could improve its efforts to reduce emissions:
- The US broke its commitment to stop financing fossil fuels abroad when it lent $100 million to Indonesia to expand an oil refinery in 2023.
- The US has not developed or implemented regulations to address emissions from animal production or encouraged dietary changes, despite having one of the highest rates of meat and dairy consumption.
- The government's emissions reduction targets for the buildings sector are not aligned with the Paris Agreement, and the agriculture sector lacks a clear decarbonization objective.
- The US is moving in the wrong direction regarding its international support for fossil fuels, with policies that strengthen fossil fuel exploitation and exportation.
Overall, while the US has made some progress in reducing emissions, additional drastic measures are needed to meet its domestic climate targets and align with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
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Frequently asked questions
The United States has historically contributed more emissions than any other country. While it is no longer the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, it was responsible for about 13.49% of global carbon dioxide emissions in 2021.
The largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States are transportation, electricity and heat generation, agriculture, manufacturing, and forestry.
The United States is a signatory to the 2015 Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global temperature increase to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels. Additionally, individual states like California and New York have implemented regulations to reduce emissions, such as the Advanced Clean Cars program.
The United States is one of the top three emitters of greenhouse gases, along with China and the European Union. In 2020, the United States emitted 11% of global greenhouse gases, while China emitted 27%.
The United States has contributed significantly to global warming and climate change, both in terms of historical emissions and per capita emissions. As a result, the country has a responsibility to take ambitious action to address these issues and aid affected countries.
