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Countries with the Highest Carbon Dioxide Emissions

Name the countries that account for the highest % of the world's CO2 emissions.
For the year 2024. Source.
Growth = % growth since 1990
Quiz by
Maibaum
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Last updated: October 23, 2025
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First submittedMarch 5, 2014
Times taken108,398
Average score86.4%
Rating4.97
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% of Total
Country
Growth
33.1%
China
444%
11.7%
United States
-7%
7.96%
India
425%
5.07%
Russia
-18%
2.45%
Japan
-16%
2.09%
Iran
298%
2.05%
Indonesia
402%
1.65%
Saudi Arabia
275%
1.48%
South Korea
126%
1.46%
Germany
-43%
1.46%
Canada
31%
% of Total
Country
Growth
1.24%
Brazil
117%
1.20%
Mexico
64%
1.16%
Turkey
196%
1.11%
South Africa
40%
1.09%
Vietnam
1994%
0.97%
Australia
38%
0.76%
Italy
-30%
0.75%
Malaysia
359%
0.74%
United Kingdom
-50%
0.74%
Egypt
219%
0.72%
Thailand
198%
Save Your Stats
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97 Comments
Quizmaster
+53
Level ∞
Oct 14, 2020
It's likely that global emissions in 2020 will be lower than 2019. We may (fingers crossed) have peaked.

That said, we need to do more than just reduce emissions. We need to actively remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Edit 2023: We didn't peak. 2022 emissions were about 2% higher than in 2019.

Edit 2025. Still haven't peaked. 2024 was the most ever with no end in sight.

Coyuznik
+6
Level 85
Mar 17, 2014
Dang you Indonesia! You're the only one I missed!
Toscaa
+10
Level 24
Jan 30, 2022
you missed Indonesia? I just missed United States. bruh
Finnisme
+5
Level 59
Jan 31, 2022
100% accuracy rate. Yeah that's tough
malamuer
+1
Level 45
Jul 26, 2025
lol I missed nigeria
Arp2600
+26
Level 89
Apr 22, 2014
China and the USA really have to calm down...
Ponderosa
+24
Level 89
Apr 22, 2014
Try saying that when your country has about 300 million more people.
ThirdParty
+17
Level 44
Apr 22, 2014
Yeah, somebody should do a quiz that looks at per capita emissions instead. As it is this is mostly just a list of large countries.
Amilcar
+7
Level 72
Aug 19, 2025
On the other hand, I don't think Palau cutting its carbon emissions will make much of a dent compared to the US, India or China.
kalbahamut
+7
Level 80
Apr 24, 2014
Here you go.

CO2 per capita

easy to make. A little more difficult to take. So I added 30 seconds.

CardinalV
+10
Level 64
Jun 3, 2019
US is still pretty high per capita.
sac313
+2
Level 80
Jan 17, 2022
Yes. Gotta look at countries which feature in both lists viz. this one and the per capita one. That's where the corrective action needs to begin.
Sifhraven
+1
Level 76
Oct 24, 2025
I'd say most attention need to go to the ones that have (considerable) growth. Of course all the big ones too, biggest overall reduction to be achieved there of course. But like vietnam 2000% growth wtf.. Sure Germany for instance is (slightly) higher but is decreasing by -43%

And yes per capita does make sense but is at the same time no excuse because in several cases the over-/rapid increase of population is actually the problem.

More sense would be per km2 or something. Still not perfect (but otherwise it would be like a neighbour saying you can't complain about their excessive round the clock noise because they are living with 14 people there (a small terraced/row house, where usually 2 people live) )

shortyoh
+1
Level 86
Dec 5, 2025
The problem with growth alone is that focusing on growth can lock some countries into poverty. Does it really matter if your emissions are growing 100% per decade if you're still 1% of the emissions per capita of the US?

There's a logical balance somewhere. Those saying the US didn't need to do anything if China and India were growing were just making excuses for inaction. That said, China and India really couldn't be allowed to grow as high per capita as the US, and the US needed to cut dramatically. Interestingly, China seems to be plateauing well below the emissions levels of the US, so its a bit rich of us Americans complaining about China's 236% growth since 1990 while we've cut 28% (on per capita bases)

Dimby
+14
Level 82
Jan 19, 2022
I don't care how big my or your country is. China and the USA are the ones that are responsible for almost half of all greenhouse gas emission. Kuwait can cut its emissions all it wants, but the world is going to suffer if China doesn't improve its environmental impact.
Dimby
+5
Level 82
Sep 14, 2025
And now it seems the USA is reversing its course, so we can assume we’re pretty much boned. It’s sure hard to be optimistic these days for a political science and history person.
InterAlia
+2
Level 82
Nov 16, 2025
The challenge of climate change has never really been a technical one. It was always political, which is why I have very little optimism about it.
shortyoh
+1
Level 86
Dec 5, 2025
But how do we argue that China needs to do something while we don't, even though we have far higher emissions per capita?
DJ1
+4
Level 18
Jan 4, 2015
China has 1.3 BILLION people over 1/7 of the world's population, climbing toward 3/14! The highly-industrialized countries!
ALA02
+3
Level 65
Sep 5, 2019
Definitely the European and North American countries who look worst here. And Brazil and Australia.
Sifhraven
+1
Level 76
Oct 24, 2025
there are only 3 european countries and they are heavily into minus percentages, (-30 to -50%) and basicly the bottom half of the list.

Edit Ok there is russia too, never feels european to me though so I overlooked it.

SpencerGT
+6
Level 67
Jan 21, 2022
The US has 10x the carbon emissions of Brazil, so I don't think that Brazil belongs here lol.
Sifhraven
+1
Level 76
Oct 24, 2025
It does more than the European countries they are all decreasing, while Brazil is higher than most of them and increasing (excluding russia).

And why don't you adress Australia the more than 10x amount argument is even more valid for them. (and increasing much less)

So of the ones ALA listed Brazil belongs there most after North america>

Not that I agree with the list btw, just found it odd you went to defend only brazil.

It is more like North America plus Asian Countries. (I would say look at the top ones plus the increasing ones)

Swanbabe
+24
Level 37
Jun 25, 2016
Funny you should say that; whilst leading the world in Carbon dioxide emissions, China also tops the table for sustainable and renewable energies. Along the line they realised coal wasn't gonna cut it for their population size and began the switch to solar power on a massive scale. So at least they're trying, which is more than one can say for the US, or the worst of the lot for its population, Australia.

We've barely got 25 million people here yet our emissions are up with those of countries with hundreds of millions/billions of people. On top of that, we're yet to have a federal government to acknowledge global warming, let alone honouring the kyoto reform. What small carbon tax we had got voted down and overturned by the oligarchy (who, to be fair, just do what the mining industry tell them to). But we are, without a doubt, one of the worst in the world in Australia.

ander217
+11
Level 74
Dec 28, 2018
China is still by far the biggest user of coal in the world, producing over 40% and importing the greatest amount from others. The US and India, the next largest producers, produce less than 10% each. The US has regulations which makes coal cleaner burning than in China. I know, because I pay for it on my electric bill. After our electric cooperative spent millions to make cleaner-burning coal, then the government came in and said we couldn't burn it anyway and they weren't going to give our co-op time to transition to other alternatives which meant our electric bills would triple from having to purchase energy from other sources. But at the same time they had no problem with allowing coal exports to China where they don't require it to be scrubbed. Things have eased up some for now, but we'll see what happens. I'm all for ending global warming but I think sometimes we strain at a gnat and swallow a camel instead of using common sense to develop real answers to the problem.
JackintheBox
+5
Level 82
Mar 12, 2020
China yes, but USA? Its population has increased 30% from 1990, but total CO2 emission has only increased by 1%. Pretty calm to me.
Iluvbread123
+6
Level 78
Jan 15, 2022
After all, it makes up over one quarter the world's manufacturing output and nearly one fifth the world's population. With increasing demands (and population, in the US's case) in the West, it's honestly not that surprising.

Also keep in mind that pollution is more than just carbon dioxide emissions. The US produces over 30% of the world's waste. None of those countries here are exactly calm.

Iluvbread123
+2
Level 78
Jan 15, 2022
Oh and of course, a lot of wealthy countries with small population pollute a lot per capita. Although, yes, they do have way less people as well as total emission. But, say that these countries spent a good portion of the money they own to reduce pollution rather than wasting it all on empty luxurious buildings nobody lives in (like in Dubai) or other useless luxurious products, it would probably cut down on the pollution significantly.
Howdoiknowgeo
+1
Level 46
Jan 8, 2026
We should tell that to India and Vietnam too like Vietnam has about a 2000% growth on CO2 Emissions.
5674danieljiang
+1
Level 14
Apr 22, 2014
100% WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!
Instrumental
+2
Level 67
Apr 27, 2014
First try got all 20 with 1 second remaining. Ha!
Tyreke
+3
Level 19
Dec 29, 2018
No one asked
Sifhraven
+15
Level 76
Jan 5, 2019
Noone asked if anyone asked...
hunteruesch98
+2
Level 24
Apr 28, 2014
add England as a correct answer for United Kingdom
brandybuck96
+29
Level 83
Dec 12, 2015
But that would mean that Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland produced zero emissions.
sillie
+5
Level 75
Nov 2, 2018
UK is so much easier to type.
Berney
+11
Level 84
Dec 29, 2018
Why? England is not the same as the UK!
Cahill2
+1
Level 28
Apr 29, 2014
Ukraine? That's a surprise.
wasserwand
+1
Level 78
Jun 24, 2016
Got Poland in the last second
vigeneus
+1
Level 49
Jul 24, 2016
Did u add CO2 emission by humans? 😜 That'll put India before Usa.
IBRK
+14
Level 76
Mar 5, 2017
I am ashamed for Canada. the 35 million people produce more pollution than Brazil which had 200 million people
WanderingWolf
+6
Level 44
Dec 28, 2018
Yeah, I agree. We produce a shocking amount of Carbon Dioxide, considering our small population. And all the while we pride ourselves on being one of the world's most environmentally friendly countries. Not sure if our visions stack up with reality.
mightythor
+1
Level 68
Jan 17, 2022
Oh, Canada!
theperiodictable
+1
Level 46
Jul 24, 2017
I only missed canada because i expected it to be cleaner!
cenoriva
+1
Level 38
Oct 6, 2018
I forgot canada and mexico!!!
IsleAuHaulte
+1
Level 92
Nov 13, 2018
With 19/20 I only beat 51.5% of you bugger's, you're good.
Sifhraven
+2
Level 76
Jan 5, 2019
19/20 beats 75.2% now. That changed fast.
JackintheBox
+6
Level 82
Mar 12, 2020
Only beat and equalled. Don't forget equalled.
Miketai13
+1
Level 25
Dec 28, 2018
Got 100% with 1 second left!!
Carry
+1
Level 63
Feb 22, 2019
For those who were wondering.

Included: Fossil fuel use and industrial processes (cement production, carbonate use of limestone and dolomite, non-energy use of fuels and other combustion, chemical and metal processes, solvents, agricultural liming and urea, waste and fossil fuel fires).

Excluded: Short-cycle biomass burning (such as agricultural waste burning), large-scale biomass burning (such as forest fires) and carbon emissions/removals of land-use, land-use change and forestry.

Oaf
+3
Level 67
Nov 1, 2019
co2 is plant food. If you truly care about the climate and the environment beyond the politics of carbon taxing, look at methane, fluorocarbons, nuclear waste, deforestation, damning of river flows, ocean pollution, and deprivation of oxygenation to our waters. If CO2 scares you, respirate slower. BTW, how did Turkey make the list?
MichaelPeblo
+34
Level 45
Jan 27, 2021
Please go to school.
BigFloppa
+1
Level 62
Jan 27, 2022
Damn those rivers!
HinesBrothers
+1
Level 77
Aug 23, 2020
Wow, this was surprisingly easy. Usually I make a lot of wrong guesses on these, but I got the first 19 on my first 19 guesses...Took me another minute to get #20 though.
MichaelPeblo
+3
Level 45
Jan 27, 2021
Europe is on a good path atleast :)
tazaja
+1
Level 58
Apr 13, 2021
wow australia is the only one i didnt get. would have never thought that!
Shadow24
+2
Level 20
Apr 23, 2021
How did i forgot australia that's the only one i need

SAD :(

AstronautX
+2
Level 24
Jan 31, 2022
Australia Is My Country
OfficerDibble
+10
Level 85
Jan 14, 2022
I missed only Vietnam. What the hell is going on there?
cuotak
+9
Level 70
Jan 15, 2022
Many factories are moved from China to Vietnam because of lower cost and Trump's trade war.
Xtrordinary
+1
Level 74
Apr 21, 2025
3 years later, Vietnam has been hit hard by the tariffs
carrow
+3
Level 51
Feb 1, 2022
100 million people with an HDI comparable to South Africa or Egypt.
beu
+10
Level 66
Jan 17, 2022
Be careful, these stats do not show the imported CO2 emissions of the richer countries.

US and Europe make Asia and other countries produce what they consume.

If we want to reduce the emissions globally, we need to produce locally ;)

JWC1202
+4
Level 76
Jan 18, 2022
Wow. You go, Vietnam!
JWatson24
+11
Level 71
Jan 30, 2022
Umm, you probably don't want to cheer that
Algernon
+2
Level 74
Jan 20, 2022
Sigh, spell Saudi wrong and then spend the last minute guessing random countries trying to work out who it could possibly be.
BigFloppa
+3
Level 62
Jan 27, 2022
Damn whats goin on in Vietnam
pellam
+3
Level 74
Feb 1, 2022
Manufacturing of your clothes
dunkinggandalf2
+2
Level 71
Jan 30, 2022
Interesting that France doesn't make the list. I guess that's because of nuclear power?
DanCanDoIt1217
+2
Level 38
Jan 30, 2022
Yeah, probably
RJF
+2
Level 66
Dec 7, 2022
Yes, mostly. Combined with EU legislation that limits what French industries can emit into the atmosphere. But compared to Poland, which is also subject to those same regulations and has a somewhat similar population, but burns mostly coal for its electricity generation, it's clear that nuclear power does a tremendous job at keeping France off this list.
brandybuck96
+1
Level 83
Dec 8, 2023
They're here now and higher than the UK somehow, so how they produce their power can't be the only factor going into this
AstronautX
+1
Level 24
Jan 31, 2022
I WAS SO CLOSE TO GETTING ALL COUNTRIES THAT HAS Carbon Dioxide AND I MISSED SOUTH AFRICA AND SAUDI ARABIA good quiz btw
Nickelz
+1
Level 68
Nov 21, 2022
Missed Poland.
Carry
+3
Level 63
Jan 17, 2023
I was like "Great, some countries are cutting down by 30%, something's happening." Then BAM! Vietnam has entered the chat!
MCdoesgeography
+3
Level 74
Feb 16, 2023
WTF is going on in Vietnam?!?
Quizmaster
+2
Level ∞
Dec 7, 2023
Transition from extreme poverty to a middle income country.
GreenFriday
+1
Level 86
Dec 7, 2023
From 67 million people to 97 million people, combined with increased living standards.
LooserFromIndia
+1
Level 47
Nov 16, 2025
Wait 67 ? 😩
comjag
+2
Level 92
Dec 7, 2023
Good to see all these 'developing countries' are taking their responsibilities seriously.
Iluvbread123
+8
Level 78
Dec 8, 2023
That is because they are producing what you consume, don't be stupid now with that comment

You'll see drastically different results if you add in indirect emissions

driehoek25
+2
Level 69
Dec 8, 2023
BS, the west is actively doing something while there rest is doing nothing. Even with the indirect emissions.
AlexThirkell
+7
Level 74
Dec 8, 2023
USA: 15 tons per year per capita

China: 7.5 tons per year per capita

Nigeria: 0.44 tons per year per capita

Maybe don't start lecturing the developing countries just yet...

https://www.worldometers.info/co2-emissions/co2-emissions-per-capita/

jkabq
+1
Level 67
Dec 25, 2023
and loving it.
Danem20
+3
Level 88
Oct 24, 2025
The west astroturfs its contribution to global warming by offsetting emissions to developing countries, for armchair climate economists like you to make nonsensical opinions about.
Quizmaster
+1
Level ∞
Oct 24, 2025
@Danem20, that might have made sense 20 years ago, but not today.

China's emissions are largely their own at this point. They are a superpower on par (or nearly on par) with the United States. And they are opening new coal plants every day. It takes some serious mental gymnastics to continue to blame other countries for their choices.

The reality is simple. China doesn't believe global warming is a major problem. And they are in good company. Most people here commenting, for example, will do nothing to offset their own carbon usage.

MCdoesgeography
+4
Level 74
Dec 22, 2023
Canada and Australia really didn't get the memo...
Sifhraven
+1
Level 76
Oct 24, 2025
of course they have much bigger distances to cross, plus well snowscooters ;) ow and all the barbeques! (I agree though!)
RomeNov
+20
Level 36
Dec 22, 2023
People blaming China for their high CO2 emissions need to get a reality check. First you outsource all your manufacturing to them & then you blame them for high emissions. Try bringing all that manufacturing back to your home & then see how clean your air & water is.

Americans especially need to be aware of this as they are the worst offenders being China's biggest export market & still having the 2nd highest emissions.

jkabq
+3
Level 67
Dec 25, 2023
yawn
Quizmaster
+3
Level ∞
Sep 14, 2025
Americans are not the worst offenders per capita though. Canada, Australia, and several Arab countries are worse.

https://www.jetpunk.com/user-quizzes/30947/countries-by-carbondioxide-emissions-per-capita

InterAlia
+1
Level 82
Nov 16, 2025
Because they are supplying the fossil fuels that other countries rely on to maintain their standard of living. National borders tell a very flawed version of the story about a global problem.
Cauzas
+4
Level 44
Oct 23, 2025
What happened in Vietnam in 2024?
AlmostAGenius
+4
Level 88
Oct 23, 2025
Vietnam has developed significantly in the past 35 years (note: this is change from 1990). In 1990, the country was still pretty impoverished and recovering from the Vietnam War. At present day though, it’s a large manufacturing hub somewhat akin to China with a population of 100 million.
JackintheBox
+2
Level 82
Oct 24, 2025
Shocking to see that the UK has halved their CO2 emissions since 1990! 😲
Snoflakes
+1
Level 73
Oct 24, 2025
The West is doing their part in keeping the world afloat, now the up and coming nations need to get their act together
timshorts
+1
Level 61
Nov 17, 2025
and surprise, the top 3 did not turn up to Cop 30.

At least China is not in denial.

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