Report: The US, the EU, and China Responsible for Half of Global Carbon Emissions

Humans have pumped approximately 2,500 billion tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the atmosphere since 1850, according to multiple research estimates.

Data shows that major industrialized countries and the developing world bear the lion’s share of these historical emissions, with the US, the EU, and China responsible for more than 47% of total global emissions.

The US topped the list of countries most responsible for cumulative carbon emissions, accounting for 509 billion tons of carbon, equivalent to 20.3% of the global total. The European Union (EU) countries (27 countries) came in second place with 16.1%, representing approximately 405 billion tons of carbon. China came in third place with 284 billion tons of cumulative emissions, representing 11.3% of the global total. These figures reflect the long industrial legacy and these countries’ heavy reliance on fossil fuels for decades. Russia ranked fourth with a total of 185 billion tons (7.4%), followed by the United Kingdom in fifth place with 118 billion tons (4.7%), despite the Kingdom being the cradle of the first industrial revolution. Japan ranked sixth with 104 billion tons (4.2%), India with 102 billion tons (4.1%), and Canada ranked tenth with 65 billion tons (2.6%).

The world is currently in a frantic race to combat climate change and mitigate its expected impacts on the planet. This race is being driven by a set of ambitious global initiatives, most notably the Paris Climate Agreement, signed by some 195 countries, which aims to limit global temperature rise to less than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 13 on “Climate Action,” are a pivotal part of international efforts to urge countries to accelerate their energy transition plans, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and increase investment in renewable energy and clean technologies. This disparity in historical responsibility for emissions raises an ongoing debate about climate justice, as developing countries, which contribute a small percentage of total emissions, demand that industrialized countries bear the greater burden of financing the green transition, transferring technology, and compensating for losses and damages resulting from environmental disasters.

As the annual climate conferences (COP) approach, pressure is mounting on major countries to make more meaningful commitments, not only to reducing future emissions, but also to acknowledge their historical responsibility and actively participate in global climate finance.