In this piece, we will take a look at the twenty countries that produce the most greenhouse gases. For more countries, take a look at 5 Countries That Produce the Most Greenhouse Gases.
The onset of the industrial revolution from the late 1700s to the early 1860s and then the onset of the second industrial revolution after the second world war has transformed the world in ways that would be unimaginable to populations that were alive just a couple of centuries ago. From the jet engine to the marvel of modern day mass production, human beings have transformed the world around them to suit their needs and improve their standard of living.
However, this development has come with its costs. The largest of these is perhaps global warming, which has led to an increase in the surface temperature of the Earth. This rise leads to a host of devastating climate events, such as droughts and a rise in sea levels, which end up causing a significant loss of life and property. According to statistics compiled by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), global temperature has risen by 1.01 degrees Celsius since 1880, oceans have warmed by 337 zettajoules since 1955, global ice sheets are dropping by a massive 427 tons each year, and since January 1993, the sea has also risen by four inches.
These changes will create further turmoil in the world, according to a fresh study from the International Rescue Committee (IRC). Fueled by political instability and aided by climate change, the non governmental organization (NGO) estimates that since 2014, the number of people who need humanitarian assistance all over the globe has jumped by 81 million to a massive 339 million. It also believes that the gap between the funds needed for humanitarian assistance and the funds that are available now stands at $27 billion as of November 2022.
One key source of climate change is greenhouse gases. These are the byproducts of industrial processes and engines, and the main greenhouse gas is Carbon Dioxide. While it isn’t toxic to humans, this gas envelops the Earth and prevents the surface heat from escaping the atmosphere – which then contributes to global temperature rises and warming. Oil companies remain the largest source of greenhouse gases, and some culprits that have been identified by research are Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM), Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX), and Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco).
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Our Methodology
We consulted the World Bank’s Emissions Database for global Carbon Dioxide emissions to compile our list. The data covers emissions up to 2019. For added flavor, emissions per capita are also provided to give readers a sense of emissions irrespective of the size of the countries listed.
20 Countries That Produce the Most Greenhouse Gases
20. Kingdom of Thailand
CO2 Emissions As Of 2019 in Kilo Tons: 422
The Kingdom of Thailand is a South Asian country that is one of the largest economies in South East Asia. The Thai economy is worth $1.4 trillion with a GDP per capita of $21,114. It is a heavy exporter, with exports constituting a large chunk of its economy. Primary Thai exports are cars, computers, rice, and other products. The country has produced 422 kilo tons of carbon dioxide emissions as of 2019 and its per capita emissions are 3.8 metric tons per capita.
19. Islamic Republic of Pakistan
CO2 Emissions As Of 2019 in Kilo Tons: 432
The Islamic Republic of Pakistan, or Pakistan, is a South Asian country that is the fifth most populous nation in the world. The country gained its independence from the British Empire in 1947, and it has an economy that is worth $1.5 trillion with a GDP per capita of $6,662 in purchasing power parity. Pakistan has emitted 432 kilo tons of carbon dioxide as of 2019, and it was also the target of devastating floods earlier this year due to global warming. Pakistan’s Co2 emissions per capita are just 0.9 metric tons, influenced by its large population that lives mostly in underdeveloped areas.
18. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
CO2 Emissions As Of 2019 in Kilo Tons: 440
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a European nation that is one of the great powers of the world and one that has ruled a large portion of the Earth during its existence. The British economy is worth $3.7 trillion with a GDP per capita of $55,682. Its greenhouse gas emissions are 440 kilo tons, and per capita CO2 emissions stand at 5.2 metric tons, due to a small population but high industrialization levels.
17. Socialist Republic of Vietnam
CO2 Emissions As Of 2019 in Kilo Tons: 450
The Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a South East Asian country that traces its history back to the paleolithic age. Vietnam mirrors China’s development model, by laying down economic plans in terms of actions to be taken over five year time periods. Its exports depend primarily on agriculture, with Vietnam leading in exports of items such as cashew and black pepper. The country’s carbon dioxide emissions stand at 450 kilo tons, with 3.5 metric tons per capita.
16. Republic of Türkiye
CO2 Emissions As Of 2019 in Kilo Tons: 488
The Republic of Türkiye, commonly known as Turkey, is a transcontinental country with parts in both Europe and Asia. Turkey’s economy is worth $3.3 trillion and its GDP per capita stands at $38,759. The country primarily exports cars, vehicle parts, and jewelry. Its greenhouse gas emissions in CO2 terms are 488 kilo tons, with a per capita reading of 4.8 metric tons.
15. Republic of South Africa (RSA)
CO2 Emissions As Of 2019 in Kilo Tons: 555
The Republic of South Africa (RSA) is one of the most prosperous countries on the African continent. Its GDP stands at $924 billion with a per capita reading of $15,361. It has a strong mining industry that has enabled it to become one of the world’s top producers of some of the most valuable materials out there such as gold and diamonds. South Africa’s carbon dioxide emissions are 555 kilo tons, and the per capita emissions are 7.5 metric tons. Major companies like Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) and Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) are exploring energy resources the country.
14. Commonwealth of Australia
CO2 Emissions As Of 2019 in Kilo Tons: 585
The Commonwealth of Australia is one of the largest countries in the world in terms of land mass. Its low population and strong economy provide it with the highest amount of wealth per adult in the world after Luxembourg. Australia has emitted 585 kilo tons of greenhouse gases in carbon dioxide terms as of 2019, and its per capita emissions are 15.2 metric tons.
13. United Mexican States
CO2 Emissions As Of 2019 in Kilo Tons: 653
The United Mexican States, or Mexico, is a North American country that is one of the six cradles of civilization since the earliest settlers in the region are dated as far back as 8,000 BC. Its economy is worth $2.9 trillion. Mexico has emitted 653 kilo tons of CO2 so far, with a per capita reading of 3.5 metric tons.
12. Republic of Korea (ROK)
CO2 Emissions As Of 2019 in Kilo Tons: 698
The Republic of Korea (ROK), also known as South Korea, is one of the most prosperous and technologically advanced nations on Earth – one which has risen in just a couple of decades. Its economy is the 14th largest in the world, despite the country ranking 107 in terms of land mass. South Korea’s CO2 emissions as of 2019 stand at 698 kilo tons, and its per capita emissions are 11.8 metric tons.
11. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)
CO2 Emissions As Of 2019 in Kilo Tons: 723
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is a Middle Eastern country that is technically located on the Asian continent. It is one of the world’s largest producers of oil and has an economy that is worth $2 trillion. Saudi Arabia’s greenhouse gas emissions are 723 kilo tons, and the per capita emissions stand at 15.3 metric tons – roughly similar to Australia despite the smaller land mass. Saudi Aramco is one of the biggest producers of oil in the world and competes with Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM), Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX).
10. Canada
CO2 Emissions As Of 2019 in Kilo Tons: 736
Canada is a North American country that is rich in natural resources and has a large economy. The Canadian economy is worth $2.2 trillion with a GDP per capita of $56,794. It exports energy products, uranium, aluminum, steel, iron, and other products. As of 2019, Canadian greenhouse gas emissions are 736 kilotons with a per capita reading of 11.8 metric tons.
9. Federal Republic of Germany
CO2 Emissions As Of 2019 in Kilo Tons: 749
The Federal Republic of Germany, simply known as Germany, is Europe’s second largest country in terms of landmass and its largest economy. Germany is one of the most technologically advanced nations on the planet, and one that is also a great power capable of influencing global affairs. Its CO2 emissions are 749 kilotons, and per capita emissions are 7.9 metric tons.
8. Islamic Republic of Iran
CO2 Emissions As Of 2019 in Kilo Tons: 893
The Islamic Republic of Iran is an Asian country that traces its roots back to 4,000 BC and was at a time home to one of the most powerful empires in the world, the Persian Empire. Modern day Iran has an economy that is worth $1.59 trillion. The country is rich in natural resources, with some of the largest oil and gas reserves in the world. Its Co2 emissions as of 2019 are 893 kilo tons and per capita emissions are 7.6 metric tons.
7. Republic of Indonesia
CO2 Emissions As Of 2019 in Kilo Tons: 1,002
The Republic of Indonesia, or Indonesia is an Asian country that declared independence from the Dutch in 1945 and won independence through armed conflict. Its economy is worth $4 trillion, greenhouse gas emissions are 1,002 kilo tons, and per capita emissions are 2.3 metric tons.
6. Federative Republic of Brazil
CO2 Emissions As Of 2019 in Kilo Tons: 1,057
The Federative Republic of Brazil is a Latin and South American country with a high GDP and an economy that is one of the largest in Latin America. Brazil has emitted 1,057 kilo tons of CO2 as of 2019 and its per capita emissions are 2.1 metric tons. The country is also one of the world’s largest breadbasket.
As the world begins to face the effects of greenhouse gas emissions at a terrifying scale, companies like Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM), Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) are under pressure to decrease their carbon emissions and work to find renewable energy sources.
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Disclosure: None. 20 Countries That Produce the Most Greenhouse Gases is originally published on Insider Monkey.
