Greenhouse emissions by country
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Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Country: An Analysis
Sustained Emissions Reductions in Select Countries
Key Countries with Sustained Reductions
A study identified 24 countries that have achieved sustained reductions in annual CO2 and GHG emissions between 1970 and 2018, totaling 3.2 GtCO2eq since their respective emissions peaks1. These countries are categorized into three groups: former Eastern Bloc countries, Long-term decline countries, and Recent peak countries. The primary sector contributing to these reductions is the energy systems sector, particularly electricity and heat generation, while transport emissions have remained stable or increased1.
Economic Growth and Emissions Reductions
Interestingly, many of these countries have managed to reduce emissions while maintaining economic growth. This suggests that substantive climate policies could potentially lead to deeper and more rapid emissions reductions globally1.
Drivers of Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Economic Growth and Emission Intensity
Rapid global economic growth is the dominant driver of GHG emissions. However, improvements in energy efficiency and technological innovation have significantly contributed to emission reductions2. The key factors influencing GHG emissions vary between developed and developing countries. For instance, investment effects are more pronounced in developing countries, while net export effects are more significant in developed countries2.
Major Contributors: China and India
China and India are identified as key contributors to the growth of CO2 and CH4 emissions. In developing countries, agriculture plays a significant role in N2O emissions2.
Historical Contributions and Uncertainties
Historical Emissions and Temperature Increase
The uncertainty in historical GHG emissions varies by country due to different shares of greenhouse gases and the timing of emissions. Despite these uncertainties, recent high emissions dominate the contributions to global temperature increases3. The choice of parameters, such as the starting year for accounting emissions and the inclusion of land-use change and non-CO2 gases, significantly affects the relative contributions of countries3.
Emission Efficiencies and International Treaties
Efficiency Improvements Post-Kyoto Protocol
The Kyoto Protocol has led to improvements in GHG emission efficiencies. The average efficiencies of countries increased significantly during the periods following the protocol's adoption, although this effect has diminished over time5.
Allocation and Fairness in Emissions
Fairness-Based Allocation
A multi-country analysis using fairness-based indicators suggests that the United States and China need to make the greatest efforts to combat climate change. However, all countries bear some responsibility, including those not typically analyzed in such studies6.
Consumption-Based Emissions
Carbon Footprint of Nations
A global analysis of GHG emissions linked to the final consumption of goods and services reveals significant disparities. Per capita footprints range from 1 tCO2e/y in African countries to approximately 30 tCO2e/y in Luxembourg and the United States. Household consumption accounts for 72% of global GHG emissions, with food, shelter, and mobility being the major contributors7.
Major Players in Climate Change
G7 and BRICS Countries
The G7 and BRICS countries account for over 60% of global GHG emissions. While G7 countries have seen a decrease in per capita emissions, BRICS countries have experienced an increase. Energy intensity and economic growth are the main drivers of these trends9.
Conclusion
The analysis of greenhouse gas emissions by country reveals a complex interplay of economic growth, technological advancements, and policy measures. While some countries have made significant strides in reducing emissions, global efforts need to be intensified to meet climate targets. The disparities in emissions and the varying contributions of different sectors highlight the need for tailored and equitable climate policies.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Countries with sustained greenhouse gas emissions reductions: an analysis of trends and progress by sector
24 countries have sustained greenhouse gas emissions reductions between 1970 and 2018, primarily in the energy sector, while transport emissions remain stable or continue to grow.
Highly CitedWhat causes growth of global greenhouse gas emissions? Evidence from 40 countries.
Rapid global economic growth is the dominant driving force for greenhouse gas emissions, but improved energy efficiency and technology innovation can contribute to emission reduction.
Observational StudyHighly CitedContributions of individual countries’ emissions to climate change and their uncertainty
Historical greenhouse gas emissions are uncertain, but their influence on temperature increase is small in most cases due to recent high emissions.
Highly CitedEDGAR v4.3.2 Global Atlas of the three major greenhouse gas emissions for the period 1970–2012
The new EDGAR v4.3.2 global emissions database shows fuel markets and financial instability have greater impacts on greenhouse gas trends than income or population.
Highly CitedGreenhouse Gas Emission Efficiencies of World Countries
The Kyoto protocol helped increase greenhouse gas emission efficiency in countries between 1990 and 2015, but this efficiency-boosting effect faded away over time.
Observational Study
Rigorous JournalAllocation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Using the Fairness Principle: A Multi-Country Analysis
The United States and China must make the greatest efforts to combat climate change, but all countries, including those not typically analyzed in this type of research, have a responsibility.
Carbon footprint of nations: a global, trade-linked analysis.
Household consumption contributes 72% of greenhouse gas emissions, with food, services, and mobility being key contributors, and policy priorities varying by development status and country-level characteristics.
Observational StudyHighly CitedCountries’ contributions to climate change: effect of accounting for all greenhouse gases, recent trends, basic needs and technological progress
Countries' contributions to climate change vary significantly based on the choices made in calculating historical greenhouse gas emissions, with some developed countries contributing more than others, and excluding certain gases can significantly alter country contributions.
Highly CitedA review of greenhouse gas emission profiles, dynamics, and climate change mitigation efforts across the key climate change players
G7 and BRICS countries have divergent greenhouse gas emission profiles, with energy intensity driving decreases in G7 countries and economic growth in BRICS countries.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedEffect of foreign direct investments, economic development and energy consumption on greenhouse gas emissions in developing countries.
Energy consumption in developing countries increases greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing emissions requires enhanced energy efficiency, adoption of clean technologies, and improved labor and environmental management practices.
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