Comparison of GHG emissions by country

Why compare GHG emissions by country?

Comparing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by country allows us to identify the largest emitters and understand their role in global warming. This is essential for allocating responsibilities and defining efforts at the global level.

International agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, rely on this comparison to set targets tailored to each country based on their emission levels. By assessing these emissions, governments and organizations can adapt their climate policies to achieve common goals, while considering disparities between developed and developing countries.

Ranking of the largest GHG emitters by country

The world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases (GHG) is China, responsible for about 27% of global emissions. It is followed by the United States, with 11%, and India, which contributes around 7%. The European Union comes next, with about 6% of global emissions. These figures highlight the importance of focusing reduction efforts on these large economies, which significantly contribute to global warming.

GHG emissions per capita

Comparing GHG emissions per capita allows for a more precise analysis of a country’s environmental impact. For example, the United States and Gulf countries have much higher per capita emissions than countries like China or India. This difference is due to a higher standard of living, greater reliance on fossil fuels, and more energy-intensive consumption patterns in these countries.

Developing countries, despite having large populations, generally have lower per capita emissions due to more moderate energy consumption. However, their rapid growth is leading to an increase in total emissions.

Per capita emissions can influence climate policies. Countries with high per capita emissions need to adopt more ambitious reduction strategies. Responsibilities in the fight against climate change are thus distributed not only based on total emissions but also on each individual’s contribution to global warming.

Factors influencing GHG emissions by country

Several factors influence a country’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The economy plays a key role: developing countries experience rapid growth and increased industrialization, which generally leads to higher emissions.

The type of energy used is also a determining factor. Countries reliant on fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, have higher emissions than those that have invested in renewable energy.

Additionally, population size has a direct impact on total emissions: the larger the population, the greater the demand for energy and resources, which increases overall emissions.

Lastly, the standard of living in wealthy countries often leads to higher per capita emissions due to more energy-intensive lifestyles and higher consumption of goods and services.

Comparison of emission reduction efforts by country

Climate policies vary significantly among the major greenhouse gas (GHG) emitters. Europe has made great progress by adopting renewable energy and improving energy efficiency, with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

In the United States, emission reduction policies fluctuate depending on the administration. Some have promoted fossil fuel exploitation, while others have encouraged renewable energy, with significant progress in this area.

China and India, despite facing rapid economic growth, have launched ambitious projects to develop renewable energy and reduce emissions while maintaining industrialization.

International initiatives, such as the Paris Agreement, set global emission reduction targets. Each country adjusts its strategies based on these commitments, considering its responsibilities and capacity to mitigate climate change.

Countries leading in GHG emission reduction

Several countries stand out for their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Norway is a leader due to its widespread adoption of electric vehicles and its development of renewable energy, particularly hydropower. Sweden follows closely, with a large share of its energy coming from renewables and ambitious climate policies aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2045.

Costa Rica is a model for developing countries, with 100% of its electricity produced from renewable sources, mainly hydropower and geothermal energy. These countries have implemented long-standing strategies, such as investing in green infrastructure and providing incentives for the energy transition.