Global Average Carbon Tax
Last updated: February 25, 2026
$28
USD/tonne CO₂
The average carbon price across all carbon pricing jurisdictions is approximately $28 per tonne of CO₂. The EU ETS leads at ~$65/tonne, while most developing nation schemes price carbon under $10. Economists suggest $75-100/tonne is needed to meet Paris goals.
Historical Trend
Source: World Bank
Why This Average Exists
Carbon pricing is considered the most efficient policy tool for reducing emissions by making polluters pay for the climate damage of their emissions.
Factors That Affect Global Average Carbon Tax
- Government climate ambition
- Industry lobbying
- Revenue recycling policy
- International coordination
- Economic competitiveness concerns
- Public acceptance
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology & Data Sources
The data presented on this page is compiled from publicly available datasets published by international organizations including the World Bank, World Health Organization (WHO), International Labour Organization (ILO), United Nations, NASA, and national statistical agencies.
Global averages are calculated using population-weighted or arithmetic means depending on the metric. Country-level data reflects the most recent available figures, typically from 2024–2024. Where gaps exist, the latest available data point is used.
All figures are subject to revision as source organizations update their datasets. For the most authoritative data, we encourage consulting the original sources linked in the table above.
Further Reading
- Global Average CO₂ Emissions Per Capita— 4.7 tonnes tonnes/year
- Global Average Carbon Footprint— 4.7 tonnes tonnes CO₂/year
- Global Average Renewable Energy Share— 29.9% %
- Global Average Temperature— 15.0°C °C
- Global Average Rainfall— 990 mm mm/year
- Global Average Ocean Temperature— 17.1°C °C
- Global Average Sea Level Rise— 3.7 mm/yr mm/year
- Global Average Water Consumption— 137 L/day liters/day