In this article, we will take a look at 10 Countries that Produce the most Carbon Dioxide Emissions. For a detailed overview of carbon dioxide emissions in different countries across the globe, read our article 25 Countries that Produce the most Carbon Dioxide Emissions.
10. Australia
CO2 Emissions (metric tons per capita): 14.8
Total Carbon Emissions: 391.21
Final Average Score: 9.5
The National Greenhouse Gas Inventory published a report to give a quarterly update on carbon dioxide emissions in the country, which stood at 465.9 million tons from January to March 2023. This indicated a 0.1% increase, as compared to the figure recorded in the corresponding period in 2022.
9. United States
CO2 Emissions (metric tons per capita): 13
Total Carbon Emissions: 5007.33
Final Average Score: 9.4
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the overall greenhouse gas emissions in the US in 2021 stood at 6,340.2 million metric tons. In addition, carbon dioxide emissions surged by 5.2% between 2020 and 2021.
8. Kazakhstan
CO2 Emissions (metric tons per capita): 11.3
Total Carbon Emissions: 276.67
Final Average Score: 9.2
Kazakhstan is highly dependent on various fossil fuels for export revenues and daily use. It uses coal for power and heating, which has led to the country’s struggle with minimizing carbon dioxide emissions.
7. Oman
CO2 Emissions (metric tons per capita): 15.6
Total Carbon Emissions: 80.97
Final Average Score: 9.1
In Oman, the majority of carbon dioxide emissions are attributed to the industrial sector. This encompasses cement, ammonia, petrochemicals, and iron and steel. Meanwhile, the oil and gas sector is the second largest contributor to CO2 emissions in the country.
6. Russia
CO2 Emissions (metric tons per capita): 11.2
Total Carbon Emissions: 1755.53
Final Average Score: 9
The CO2 emissions in Russia are mainly a result of the energy sector. Thus, as part of the Paris Agreement in 2021, the country set a goal to minimize emissions to 70% of the levels recorded in 1990 in the next decade.
5. United Arab Emirates
CO2 Emissions (metric tons per capita): 20.3
Total Carbon Emissions: 204.08
Final Average Score: 8.7
UAE is on the list of 25 countries that produce the most carbon dioxide emissions due to its high energy production and consumption. For this reason, the country wants to achieve net zero carbon emissions by the time 2050 rolls around.
4. Qatar
CO2 Emissions (metric tons per capita): 31.7
Total Carbon Emissions: 95.67
Final Average Score: 8
The Greenhouse Gas Accounting Report in 2022 analyzed the impact of the FIFA World Cup on Qatar. It was revealed that overall greenhouse gas emissions were 3,631,034 tons, with 95% of this figure being attributed to travel and accommodation of the attendees.
3. Bahrain
CO2 Emissions (metric tons per capita): 22
Total Carbon Emissions: 39.02
Final Average Score: 7.6
In 2021, Bahrain announced that it has set a target to achieve net zero carbon dioxide emissions by the time 2060 rolls around. Consequently, it has adopted a number of strategies to minimize emissions, such as the exploration of carbon capture technology and afforestation.
2. Kuwait
CO2 Emissions (metric tons per capita): 21.2
Total Carbon Emissions: 106.15
Final Average Score: 7.2
Kuwait is one of the highest emitters of carbon dioxide due to the high electricity demand in the country. Moreover, its economy is heavily reliant on the oil sector. In both cases, the country meets the individual and business needs of the people by burning fossil fuels, thereby exacerbating the issue of emissions.
1. Saudi Arabia
CO2 Emissions (metric tons per capita): 14.3
Total Carbon Emissions: 672.38
Final Average Score: 6.9
In 2023, Saudi Arabia announced that it would not build any new power plants without first implementing carbon capture technology. The country also revealed that it would be investing over $266 billion to ensure the production of cleaner electricity and expand its power grid.
Additionally, the relevant authorities in the Kingdom launched the Saudi Green Initiative, a plan to cut CO2 emissions by 60% across the region, equivalent to 130 million tons.
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