CO2 emissions from fuel combustion

CO₂ emissions grew by 1.7% in 2023, fuelled by China and India.

CO₂ emissions reached a new record in 2023 (+1.7%), as lower hydropower availability raised coal consumption and thus CO₂ emissions in China (+5.3%) and India (+7.2%). In addition, the rebound of transport in China and of global aviation contributed to the increase in global emissions. Fuelled by a dynamic economic growth, CO₂ emissions also grew in Vietnam, Iran, Mexico, Brazil, and Russia.
In contrast, weaker energy-intensive industrial activity and higher renewable power generation in most of the OECD countries contributed to reduced CO₂ emissions in the US (-1.9%, also due to milder temperatures cutting energy consumption); these factors along with a higher nuclear power generation also helped cut emissions in Europe (-7.1%), in Japan (-7%) and in South Korea (-4.1%).
Overall, since 2010, CO₂ emissions from the BRICS have increased from 46% to 49% of global emissions, with China accounting for one third of global emissions (+46% since 2010) and India for 8% (x2 since 2010). Emissions from Russia and Brazil have risen at a slower pace (+17% and +16%, respectively) since 2010. Meanwhile, emissions from the North America and Europe have been declining (-11% and -22%, respectively, since 2010), as those from Australia (-10%) and Japan (-18%). Emissions from Latin America have remained stable (+1% to 4% of global emissions), while those from the Middle East and Africa have progressed (+31% and +16%, respectively, to 6% and 4% of global emissions).