Greenhouse gas emissions by country
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Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Country: An Analysis of Trends and Drivers
Sustained Reductions in Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Countries with Sustained Emissions Reductions
A number of countries have demonstrated sustained reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over recent decades. Between 1970 and 2018, 24 countries achieved significant reductions, totaling 3.2 GtCO2eq since their respective emissions peaks. These countries can be 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 sector, particularly electricity and heat generation, while transport sector emissions have remained stable or increased1.
EU Member States' Emission Trends
The European Union (EU) has seen notable decreases in GHG emissions from 1991 to 2012. Germany, the UK, and France were the largest emitters, with the energy sector and agriculture being the primary sources of emissions. Countries like Slovenia, Portugal, Sweden, and Finland showed low emission intensities and high carbon removal rates, while Hungary, Greece, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, and Poland had high emission intensities and low carbon removal rates2.
Drivers of Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Economic Growth and Energy Efficiency
Rapid global economic growth is a major driver of GHG emissions. However, improvements in energy efficiency and technological innovation have significantly contributed to emission reductions. Developing countries, such as China and India, are key contributors to CO2 and CH4 growth, with agriculture playing a significant role in N2O emissions3.
Emission Efficiencies and International Treaties
The Kyoto Protocol has played a role in improving GHG emission efficiencies globally. Between 1990 and 2015, the average emission efficiencies of countries improved, although the effect of the Kyoto Protocol has diminished over time4.
Sectoral Contributions to Emissions
Household and Government Consumption
Household consumption accounts for 72% of global GHG emissions, with food, shelter, and mobility being the largest contributors. Government consumption and investments account for 10% and 18% of emissions, respectively. The importance of public services and manufactured goods in emissions has been underappreciated in policy discussions6.
Historical Contributions and Uncertainties
Historical emissions data show that industrialized countries began increasing CO2 emissions from energy use much earlier than developing countries. The choice of indicators and accounting years significantly affects the perceived contributions of different countries to global emissions7.
Comparative Analysis of Major Emitters
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 trends, with energy intensity being the major driver of emission reductions in both groups8.
Developing Countries and Foreign Direct Investment
In developing countries, energy consumption has a strong positive effect on GHG emissions. The environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis is valid for countries like China and Indonesia, indicating that emissions initially increase with economic growth but eventually decrease. Foreign direct investment with clean technology transfer can help mitigate emissions9.
Conclusion
The analysis of greenhouse gas emissions by country reveals a complex interplay of economic growth, energy efficiency, and sectoral contributions. While some countries have made significant strides in reducing emissions, others continue to face challenges. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for shaping effective climate policies and achieving global emission reduction targets.
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 CitedGreenhouse gas emission accounting for EU member states from 1991 to 2012
Germany is the largest greenhouse gas emitter in the EU, with energy and agriculture being the largest sources of emissions, while Hungary, Greece, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, and Poland have high emissions and low carbon removal rates.
What 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 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 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 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.
Observational StudyHighly CitedA review of trends and drivers of greenhouse gas emissions by sector from 1990 to 2018
Progress towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions has been limited, with demand for materials, floor area, energy services, and travel driving emissions growth in industry, buildings, and transport sectors.
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