Carbon Dioxide Emissions 2019
Carbon dioxide emissions reveal environmental impact. Explore rankings, compare countries, and analyze historical trends with interactive maps.
Interactive Map
Complete Data Rankings
- #1
Rwanda
- #2
Sierra Leone
- #3
Djibouti
- #4
Cabo Verde
- #5
Somalia
- #6
Bermuda
- #7
Antigua and Barbuda
- #8
Faroe Islands
- #9
Lesotho
- #10
Cayman Islands
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
- #204
French Polynesia
- #203
Malawi
- #202
Eswatini
- #201
Seychelles
- #200
Liberia
- #199
South Sudan
- #198
Aruba
- #197
Japan
- #196
Maldives
- #195
Barbados
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Analysis & Context
In 2019, Rwanda recorded the highest Carbon Dioxide Emissions at 985,600, while Liberia had the lowest at 1.16. The emissions across 200 countries ranged widely, with the global average being 84,973.78 and the median at 46.01.
Disparities in Emission Levels
The stark contrast in Carbon Dioxide Emissions among countries can be attributed to several factors, including economic development levels, industrial activities, and energy consumption patterns. Rwanda, leading the emissions chart, reflects significant industrial growth and energy use, contributing to its high emissions figure of 985,600. Similarly, countries like Sierra Leone and Djibouti follow closely with emissions of 984,800 and 950,200 respectively, indicating similar industrial and developmental trajectories.
In contrast, Liberia, with its minimal emissions of 1.16, along with South Sudan and Aruba at 1.224 and 1.266 respectively, are likely characterized by lower industrial activities and energy demands. These countries may have economies primarily based on agriculture or services, which typically yield lower emissions.
Urbanization and Its Impact
Urbanization plays a crucial role in influencing Carbon Dioxide Emissions. Countries with rapid urban growth often experience increased emissions due to higher energy demands for transportation, housing, and industrial production. Somalia and Cabo Verde, with emissions of 852,500 and 867,800 respectively, are examples where urban expansion might be driving higher emissions.
Conversely, nations like Japan and Russia show some of the lowest reported emissions values at 1.268 and 1.847, possibly due to advanced technologies and stringent environmental policies that efficiently manage and reduce emissions despite their high urbanization levels.
Year-over-Year Stability
The year-over-year analysis for 2019 shows a remarkable stability in emission levels across the board, with an average change of 0.00 (0.0%). Notably, the top emitters like Rwanda and Sierra Leone reported no significant changes, maintaining their emissions figures at 985,600 and 984,800 respectively. This stability could indicate a plateau in industrial growth or effective emission control measures that balance development with environmental concerns.
On the other hand, countries with the lowest emissions such as Liberia and South Sudan also reported no significant year-over-year changes, suggesting a consistent low level of industrial activity and energy consumption.
Global Implications and Environmental Policies
The data highlights significant global disparities in Carbon Dioxide Emissions, underscoring the need for tailored environmental policies. High-emission countries may need to adopt more stringent regulations and invest in cleaner technologies to reduce their carbon footprint. For instance, nations like Djibouti and Cabo Verde could benefit from international support to transition towards renewable energy sources.
Conversely, low-emission countries like Liberia and Aruba might focus on sustainable development strategies that prevent future emission spikes as they industrialize. These strategies could include leveraging green technologies and maintaining low-carbon footprints as part of their economic growth models.
Overall, the 2019 data provides a critical insight into the environmental challenges and opportunities facing different countries, emphasizing the importance of global cooperation in tackling climate change and promoting sustainable development.
Insights by country
Morocco
In 2019, Morocco had a global rank of #92 for Carbon Dioxide Emissions, with a total of 55.4 million metric tons. This figure is relatively low compared to larger economies in the region, such as Algeria, which has higher emissions due to its extensive fossil fuel production. Key drivers of Morocco's emissions include its growing industrial sector and reliance on fossil fuels for energy, although the country is also investing in renewable energy initiatives to mitigate future impacts.
Cambodia
Cambodia ranked #140 globally in carbon dioxide emissions, with a total of 10.55 metric tons in 2019. This figure is significantly lower than many industrialized nations, highlighting Cambodia's developing economy. The primary drivers of these emissions include rapid urbanization and increased energy consumption as the country continues to grow economically, alongside a reliance on biomass for energy in rural areas.
Malawi
In 2019, Malawi ranked #203 globally for Carbon Dioxide Emissions, with a total of 1.082 metric tons per capita. This places Malawi among the lowest emitters, significantly below the global average, and just above the bottom-ranked country. The low emissions are primarily attributed to Malawi's reliance on biomass for energy, a largely agrarian economy, and limited industrial activity.
Niue
In 2019, Niue ranked #42 globally for Carbon Dioxide Emissions, with a total of 7252 tons. This figure is relatively low compared to larger Pacific nations, but it reflects the island's limited industrial activity and small population. Key drivers of Niue's emissions include its reliance on imported fossil fuels for energy and transportation, alongside a lack of large-scale local manufacturing.
Saint Kitts and Nevis
In 2019, Saint Kitts and Nevis ranked #24 globally for Carbon Dioxide Emissions with a total of 248100 metric tons. This figure is notable compared to regional neighbors, as many Caribbean nations produce significantly lower emissions due to smaller industrial bases. The emissions in Saint Kitts and Nevis are largely driven by its reliance on fossil fuels for electricity generation and the tourism sector, which contributes to higher energy consumption.
Russia
In 2019, Russia ranked #194 globally in Carbon Dioxide Emissions, with a total of 1.847 million metric tons. This figure places Russia among the lower emissions countries, with the top emitter, China, producing significantly more. The high emissions in Russia can be attributed to its reliance on fossil fuels for energy and its vast industrial sector, which is heavily dependent on carbon-intensive processes.
Nepal
Nepal ranked #150 globally for Carbon Dioxide Emissions in 2019, with a total of 8.396 metric tons. This figure is notably lower than many countries in South Asia, where industrial growth often leads to higher emissions. The relatively low emissions in Nepal can be attributed to its predominantly agrarian economy and significant reliance on hydropower for energy, which reduces dependence on fossil fuels.
France
In 2019, France ranked #59 globally for Carbon Dioxide Emissions, with a total of 341.2 million metric tons. This figure is notably lower than many other industrialized nations, reflecting France's commitment to reducing emissions through its reliance on nuclear energy, which accounts for a significant portion of its electricity generation. Additionally, France's robust policies aimed at promoting sustainable transportation and energy efficiency contribute to its relatively moderate emissions profile compared to larger emitters like China and the United States.
Uzbekistan
In 2019, Uzbekistan ranked #82 globally for Carbon Dioxide Emissions, with a total of 95.58 million metric tons. This figure places Uzbekistan above several Central Asian neighbors, highlighting its significant industrial activity. The country's reliance on fossil fuels for energy production, coupled with a growing economy, drives these emissions, as it seeks to balance development with environmental concerns.
Burundi
In 2019, Burundi ranked #28 globally for Carbon Dioxide Emissions, with a total of 217,000 tons. This figure is notably lower than many larger economies, reflecting Burundi's status as one of the least industrialized nations. Key drivers of this low emission level include a predominantly agrarian economy and limited industrial activities, which result in lower fossil fuel consumption compared to more developed countries.
Data Source
CIA World Factbook
The World Factbook, also known as the CIA World Factbook, was a reference resource produced by the US Central Intelligence Agency between 1962 and 2026 with almanac-style information about the countries of the world. From 1971 it was not classified, and available to the public in print since 1975, initially by the CIA, and later the Government Publishing Office.
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