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    Global Average CO₂ Emissions Per Capita

    Last updated: January 20, 2026

    4.7 tonnes

    tonnes/year

    The global average CO₂ emissions per capita is approximately 4.7 tonnes per year. The highest per-capita emitters are Gulf states (over 30 tonnes) and the US (~15 tonnes), while many African nations emit under 0.5 tonnes per person.

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    Historical Trend

    Source: Global Carbon Project

    Global Average CO₂ Emissions Per Capita by Country

    Country Value (tonnes/year) ↓Source
    Qatar35.6Global Carbon Project
    United Arab Emirates21.8Global Carbon Project
    Saudi Arabia18.7Global Carbon Project
    Australia14.9Global Carbon Project
    United States14.4Global Carbon Project
    Canada14.3Global Carbon Project
    South Korea11.6Global Carbon Project
    Russia11.4Global Carbon Project
    Japan8.5Global Carbon Project
    Germany7.9Global Carbon Project
    China7.7Global Carbon Project
    United Kingdom5.2Global Carbon Project
    France4.6Global Carbon Project
    Brazil2.2Global Carbon Project
    India1.9Global Carbon Project
    Pakistan0.9Global Carbon Project
    Nigeria0.6Global Carbon Project

    Why This Average Exists

    Per-capita emissions data helps identify which populations contribute most to climate change and informs equitable climate policy design.

    Factors That Affect Global Average CO₂ Emissions Per Capita

    • Energy mix (fossil vs renewable)
    • Economic development
    • Transportation infrastructure
    • Industrial activity
    • Population density
    • Climate policy

    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