Meghan Hodges
The countries that are the biggest polluters are responsible for emitting the most CO2 in the world and include the most industrialised and advanced nations. China, the United States, India, Russia, and Japan are the top five countries with the highest carbon dioxide emissions, with China, the US, and India also dominating the list of the top 20 global climate polluters, producing 83% of emissions in 2022.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Countries with the highest CO2 emissions | China, the United States, India, Russia, and Japan |
| CO2 emissions from China | 9.9 billion tonnes of CO2 |
| CO2 emissions from the United States | 4.4 billion tonnes of CO2 |
| CO2 emissions from India | 2.3 billion tonnes of CO2 |
| CO2 emissions from Russia | 1,816 million metric tons |
| CO2 emissions from the US in 2023 | 4,911 million metric tons of total carbon dioxide emissions |
| Top 20 global climate polluters responsible for 83% of emissions in 2022 | China, India, the United States, and the European Union |
| Per capita emissions | The average American is responsible for nearly twice as much climate pollution as the average person in China |
| Per capita emissions | India's per capita emissions are significantly below the global average |
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What You'll Learn
China's emissions
China, the world's second-largest economy and second most populous country, has been the world's largest annual emitter of greenhouse gases since 2006. In 2023, China produced 35% of global CO2 emissions, according to the International Energy Agency. China's emissions are largely due to its export of consumer goods and its heavy reliance on coal. The country is home to half of the world's coal power plants and is the fifth-largest oil producer and second-largest consumer. China is also the single largest contributor to the global growth in demand for gas.
In 2020, China emitted 12.3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent, amounting to 27% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This figure includes emissions from land use, land-use change, and forestry. China's per capita emissions correspond to over 10.1 tonnes of CO2eq emitted per person each year, which is over the world average but less than that of the US, with its 17.6 tonnes per person. China's per capita emissions in 2023 were 9.24, almost two-thirds those of the United States (13.83).
China has committed to tackling climate change, with President Xi Jinping pledging in 2020 to "peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030" and "achieve carbon neutrality before 2060". China is also a leader in the deployment and manufacture of low-carbon technologies and has the world's largest capacity for renewables and hydroelectricity. In 2019, a temporary slowdown in manufacturing, construction, transportation, and overall economic activity due to the coronavirus outbreak reduced China's greenhouse gas emissions by about a quarter.
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US's emissions
The United States is consistently ranked as one of the top three biggest polluting countries in the world, alongside China and India. In 2023, the US emitted 4.4 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2), second only to China's 9.9 billion tonnes. When measured per capita, the US emitted 13.83 tonnes of CO2 per person in 2023, almost double that of China.
The US's high emissions are due in large part to its industrial activities and burning of fossil fuels for energy production. The transportation sector is the largest source of direct greenhouse gas emissions in the US, with over 94% of the fuel used for transportation being petroleum-based. The commercial, residential, and industrial sectors also contribute significantly to US emissions, particularly when indirect emissions from electricity use are included. In 2022, 60% of the US's electricity came from burning fossil fuels, and electricity production accounted for a large share of US greenhouse gas emissions.
Agricultural activities also contribute to US emissions, with greenhouse gases emitted from livestock, agricultural soils, and rice production. Land use and forestry can act as a sink or a source of emissions, with US land areas currently offsetting 13% of the country's greenhouse gas emissions. However, estimated cumulative emissions from land use and land-use change represent approximately one-third of total cumulative anthropogenic CO2 emissions.
While the US has taken steps to measure and report its greenhouse gas emissions, with the EPA preparing an annual Inventory of US Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks, it is clear that significant work is needed to reduce the country's emissions and mitigate its impact on global warming and climate change.
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India's emissions
India is one of the world's biggest polluters, ranking third in carbon dioxide emissions in 2022. That year, India emitted 2.3 billion tonnes of CO2, behind only China (9.9 billion tonnes) and the United States (4.4 billion tonnes). However, India's emissions per capita are relatively low, and it does not appear in the ranking of the 10 most polluting countries per capita.
India's annual emissions can be influenced by its large population size. When measuring a country's emissions, production-based emissions are typically considered, which refer to CO2 emitted within a country's borders. However, this does not account for emissions from traded goods or global trade, where emissions may be associated with imported or exported products. India's consumption-based emissions can be estimated by adjusting for trade.
India is making efforts to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. For example, the country is investing in renewable energy sources, such as the development of wind farms. These initiatives aim to reduce India's ecological footprint and contribute to the global transition towards cleaner energy sources.
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Russia's emissions
Russia is the fourth-largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the world, with annual emissions of 2 or 3 billion tonnes of CO2eq, accounting for about 4% of global emissions. The country's emissions are primarily from the energy sector, with fossil fuels, oil, and coal being the most significant sources. The agricultural and waste sectors also contribute to Russia's emissions, accounting for 6% and 4% of its greenhouse gas emissions, respectively, in 2017.
Russia's per capita emissions are high, with annual carbon dioxide emissions of about 12 tons per person, more than double the world average. In 2017, Russia emitted 11.32 tons of CO2 per person, and while carbon sinks, mainly forests, offset about a quarter of national emissions, the country still faces challenges with illegal logging, corruption, forest fires, and land use.
Russia has set a target of reaching net-zero emissions by 2060, but its current policies and strategies are not in line with this goal. The country's Energy Strategy to 2035 focuses on promoting fossil fuel extraction, consumption, and exports, and its climate bill, adopted in 2021, does not enforce emissions quotas or impose penalties on large emitters. Russia's efforts to tackle climate change have been described as critically insufficient, with its policies indicating a lack of commitment to curb emissions.
Russia's greenhouse gas emissions did see a decrease of 30% between 1990 and 2018 (excluding emissions from land use, land-use change, and forestry), and the country has taken some steps to promote renewable energy and reduce transport emissions. However, its current policies are projected to lead to an increase in economy-wide emissions through 2030, and its lack of contribution to international climate finance goals further undermines its climate commitments.
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Japan's emissions
The countries with the highest carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are the most industrialised countries: China, the United States, and India. However, when measured per capita, the three most polluting countries are located on the Arabian Peninsula due to their large share in the oil industry and small populations.
Japan has a long history of pollution, dating back to the Meiji Period with the Ashio Copper Mine case. Post World War II, Japan rapidly upgraded its industrial infrastructure, leading to heavy industrialisation and a significant increase in pollutants emitted. This was further exacerbated by the construction of factories in waterfront areas for efficiency, which concentrated pollution sources. As a result, Japan faced severe pollution-related diseases, including Minamata disease and Yokkaichi asthma.
To address these issues, Japan enacted the Basic Law for Environmental Pollution Control in the Showa Period to promote comprehensive and systematic pollution control measures. The law specified the target coverage for pollution and the responsibility of waste producers, with 14 bills related to pollution laws and regulations passed. Despite these efforts, Japan continues to face challenges in balancing economic growth and environmental sustainability.
In recent years, Japan has made efforts to improve its environmental performance and accountability. The Environmental Management Bureau plays a crucial role in helping member countries enhance their environmental management practices. Additionally, organisations like the Society for Global Environmental Economic Research have conducted studies comparing the damages and expenditures of pollution cases in Japan, underscoring the importance of early investment in environmental preservation.
While Japan has taken steps to mitigate pollution, it still faces challenges. The country's heavy industrialisation and focus on economic growth have historically contributed to significant pollution levels, leading to adverse health consequences. Japan's ongoing efforts to balance economic development and environmental sustainability will be crucial in reducing emissions and preserving the health and well-being of its citizens.
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Frequently asked questions
China is the world's biggest polluter, with 9.9 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions.
The United States is the second-largest emitter of CO2, with 4.4 billion tonnes of CO2 emitted.
India is the third-biggest polluter, with 2.3 billion tonnes of CO2 emitted.
Russia and Japan are the fourth and fifth-biggest polluters, respectively.
