Global CO2 Emissions From Energy Combustion and Industrial Processes, 1900-2022

After a brief dip during the coronavirus-induced lockdowns, global emissions climbed to a record high in 2022. Or as the IEA put it, “the world has not heeded the call for a sustainable recovery from the Covid-19 crisis.” Clean energy technologies are being developed and coming on stream all the time but they need to be rapidly deployed and scaled up if the world it is to achieve the goal of net zero by 2050.

Content up-to-date at time of publication

Climate Politics

DATA COMPILED BY

The Carbonwise editorial team is formed of seasoned established industry writers and specialist journalists.

LATEST VISUAL LEARNING

This chart shows the total amount of man-made emissions created by the world's biggest polluters.
The amount of atmospheric CO2 has charted a steady climb higher. The Mauna Loa Observatory on the north flank of volcano of the same name
Airbnb’s direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions come from its own offices, while indirect emissions come from the energy it consumes, and from upstream and downstream
A mechanism deployed under the EU Emissions Trading System to remove a volume of carbon allowances from circulation in the market.
In order to ensure the global reduction in GHG emissions, carbon reductions need to be permanent. Permanence is considered when approving a carbon offset project

9 September 2025

ARTICLE
What Does California’s Cap-and-Invest Program Mean for the Steel Sector?

Airbnb’s direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions come from its own offices, while indirect emissions come from the energy it consumes, and from upstream and downstream activities associated with its business...

2 September 2026

GLOSSARY
Market Stability Reserve

A mechanism deployed under the EU Emissions Trading System to remove a volume of carbon allowances from circulation in the market.

27 August 2026

GLOSSARY
Permanence

In order to ensure the global reduction in GHG emissions, carbon reductions need to be permanent. Permanence is considered when approving a carbon offset project such as avoided deforestation.

Work with us

Partner with the Carbonwise team to produce innovative educational content on Carbon Markets

Work with us

Partner with the Carbonwise team to produce innovative educational content on Carbon Markets.

Sign up to our monthly newsletter for the latest content releases, events, training offers & more!​

Join the Carbonwise community