Top 10 Countries that Contribute Greenhouse Gas Emission in the World(According to Latest Data)  

Climate change refers to long-term alterations in temperature and weather patterns on Earth. In the present, climate change has become one of the significant challenges of human coalescence. 

Climate change is primarily driven by human activities that increase the concentration of greenhouse gases in the earth’s atmosphere. Most irresponsible human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, industrial processes, agricultural practices, land use changes, waste management, and defrosting permafrost, drive climate change further successfully.

Almost every country in the world is a partner in this crime. However, the level of partnership can be varied. Not all countries are responsible for greenhouse gas emissions in the same way. This is an ascertainment of countries that are highly accountable for global greenhouse gas emissions.

Greenhouse Gasses in the World

Global greenhouse gas emissions are typically measured in terms of carbon dioxide equivalent, considering the different warming potentials of various gasses. According to the data from consult reports from Climate Change 2022 by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), global net anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions are nearly as below.

1. Carbon dioxide (from fossil fuel and industry) – 64%
2. Carbon dioxide (from land use, land-use change and forestry) – 11%
3. Methane – 18%
4. Nitrous oxide – 4%
5. Fluorinated gasses – 2%

When considering these total greenhouse gas emissions, these gases come into the atmosphere from different sectors of the world.  According to the data report from Our World in Data, these emissions are as follows:

1. Electricity and Heat
2. Transport
3. Manufacturing and Construction
4. Agriculture
5. Fugitive emissions
6. Industry
7. Building
8. Waste
9. Land-use change and Forestry
10. Aviation and Shipping
11. Other Fuel combustion

Top 10 Greenhouse Gas Emitters in the World

According to the latest data from an update in March 2023 in the World Resource Institute, ten countries are responsible for over two-thirds of global emissions. 

According to data, these top 10 greenhouse gas contributors are listed below.

1. China

China is the world’s number 01 greenhouse gas contributor. China released 11.4 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions in 2022. This was nearly 30% of global carbon dioxide emissions. The country’s emissions are primarily driven by its heavy reliance on coal for energy, industrial activities and its rapidly growing economy.

Key sectors contributing to China’s economy include manufacturing, services and agriculture. Major industries include electronics, telecommunications, automotive, textile and steel production. Also, China is a major global producer in the above sector. With their higher industrial practices, China needs a higher amount of energy. This is why China has become the major GHG contributor in the world. The below sectors contribute to the higher GHG emissions in China.

1. Electricity/ Heat Emissions (11.67% of global GHG emissions)
2. Manufacturing/ Construction Emissions (5.79% of global GHG emissions)
3. Industrial Processes Emission (2.54% of global GHG emission)
4. Transportation Emissions (1.93% of global GHG emissions)
5. Agricultural Emissions (1.38% of global GHG emissions)
6. Fugitive Emissions (1.32% of global GHG emissions)
7. Building Emissions (1.02% of global GHG emission)
8. Waste Emissions (0.42% of global GHG emission)
9. Other Fuel Combustion Emissions (0.34% of global GHG emissions)

Anyway, China is the world’s leader in renewable energy. But still, they are continuing as number 1 of the top GHG-contributing countries. This is because China faces challenges in limiting GHG due to several reasons.

• Reliance on coal: China still heavily relies on coal for its energy needs. Coal remains a dominant power source, and transitioning away from it altogether poses economic and logistic challenges.
• Industrial growth: China’s rapid industrialisation and economic growth have increased the energy demand. This demand and the need for consistent and reliable power sources have made it challenging to phase out fossil fuels entirely.
• Industrial development: Expanding and integrating renewable energy infrastructure requires substantial investment and time. While China has made significant strides in renewable capacity, transitioning to a low-carbon energy system involves complex logistical and infrastructural changes.
• Energy security: Ensuring a stable energy supply is a priority for China. Diversifying the energy mix helps reduce dependence on specific sources, but balancing energy security with emission reduction goals can be intricate.
• Global supply chain: China is a major global producer, and its industries are deeply integrated into global supply chains. This makes balancing economic competitiveness with emission reduction efforts challenging.
• Local environmental challenges: Addressing air pollution and ensuring local environmental sustainability are immediate concerns for China. While renewable energy adoption helps mitigate these issues, balancing economic development and environmental goals is an ongoing challenge.

2. United States

The United States is the second top contributor of greenhouse gas emissions. In 2021, the U.S. released 6.3 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. This was roughly 15% of the global emissions.

1. Electricity/ Heat Emissions (4.08% of global GHG emissions)
2. Transportation Emissions (3.77% of global GHG emissions)
3. Building Emission (1.16% of global GHG emission)
4. Manufacturing/ Construction Emissions (0.92% of global GHG emission)
5. Fugitive Emissions (0.88% of global GHG emissions)
6. Agricultural Emissions (0.79% of global GHG emission)
7. Industrial Process Emissions (0.05% of global GHG emission)
8. Waste Emissions (0.28% of global GHG emission)
9. Other Fuel Combustion Emissions (0.08% of global GHG emissions)

Burning fossil fuels for electricity and heat is the primary source of U.S. emissions. This includes coal, natural gasses and oil mainly. In Transportation, the U.S. significantly relies on automobiles and trucks, contributing to a sustainable portion of GHG emissions. Emissions from aviation and shipping also play a role in this.

It’s crucial to note that efforts to address and reduce GHG emissions in the U.S. have been ongoing, and policies vary at the federal, state and local levels. Initiatives include promoting renewable energy, increasing energy efficiency and setting emission reduction targets.

3. India

In 2021, India emitted 3.9 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. This is roughly 7% of the global total carbon dioxide equivalent emission value. The sectors which are responsible for these emissions in India are as follows.

1. Electricity/ Heat Emissions (2.59% of global GHG emissions)
2. Agricultural Emissions (1.50% of global GHG emissions)
3. Manufacturing/ Construction Emission (1.21% of global GHG emission)
4. Transportation Emissions (0.66% of global GHG emission)
5. Industrial Process Emissions (0.35% of global GHG emission)
6. Building Emissions (0.33% of global GHG emission)
7. Waste Emissions (0.18% of global GHG emission)
8. Other Fuel Combustion Emissions (0.15% of global GHG emission)
9. Fugitive Emissions (0.10% of global GHG emissions)

Like many countries, India faces the challenges of balancing economic development and the need for energy with environmental sustainability. The country has been trying to address climate change and reduce emissions through various initiatives, including promoting renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable agricultural practices.

4. Europe Union (EU)

The European Union is not one country. It is a combination of some European countries. The EU consists of 27 member states. The member states are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. This union is the next major GHG contributor in the world. GHG emissions in the EU in 2021 were 3.5 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, which is considered as 6% roughly.

1. Electricity/ Heat Emissions (2.06% of global GHG emissions)
2. Transportation Emissions (1.74% of global GHG emissions)
3. Building Emission (0.91% of global GHG emission)
4. Agricultural Emissions (0.80% of global GHG emission)
5. Manufacturing/ Construction Emissions (0.76% of global GHG emission)
6. Industrial Process Emissions (0.33% of global GHG emission)
7. Waste Emissions (0.22% of global GHG emission)
8. Other Fuel Combustion Emissions (0.14% of global GHG emission)
9. Fugitive Emissions (0.06% of global GHG emissions)

The European Union has been actively working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The EU has set ambitious climate targets, and its member states have implemented various policies to address climate change. Its key initiatives include the following.

• Emission reduction targets: The EU has committed to becoming climate-neutral by 2050. This involves reducing GHG emissions significantly, aiming for a 55% reduction by 2030 compared to 1990.
• Renewable energy: The EU promotes using renewable energy sources and has set targets to increase the share of renewable energy in its overall energy consumption.
• Emission Trading System (RTS): The EU operates the ETS. This cap-and-trade system limits the total amount of greenhouse gasses emitted by businesses in specific sectors.
• Energy efficiency measures: The EU focuses on improving energy efficiency across sectors, including buildings, transportation and industry.
• European Green Deal: The European Green Deal is a comprehensive initiative that outlines the EU’s plan to make its economy sustainable and achieve climate neutrality.

5. Russia

When it is considered as a country, Russia is the 4^th GHG emission contributor country. Russia releases roughly 5% of global GHG emissions. Several factors primarily drive the country’s emissions.

1. Electricity/ Heat Emissions (1.81% of global GHG emissions)
2. Fugitive Emissions (1.61% of global GHG emissions)
3. Manufacturing/ Construction Emission (0.59% of global GHG emission)
4. Transportation Emissions (0.55% of global GHG emission)
5. Building Emissions (0.46% of global GHG emissions)
6. Waste Emissions (0.25% of global GHG emission)
7. Agricultural Emissions (0.20% of global GHG emission)
8. Industrial Process Emissions (0.11% of global GHG emission)
9. Other Fuel Combustion Emissions (0.03% of global GHG emissions)

Russia heavily relies on fossil fuels, especially natural gas and oil, for energy production and export. Combustion of these fuels contributes significantly to carbon dioxide emissions.

Russia’s vast land area and wealth of natural resources play a role in its emission profile. The country has, at times, expressed concerns about balancing economic development with emissions reduction commitments.

6. Japan

Japan is a significant emitter of greenhouse gases, and several factors influence its emissions profile.

1. Energy mix: Japan’s energy mix has traditionally included a substantial share of fossils, especially after the Fukushima nuclear disaster reduced nuclear power generation. This reliance on fossil fuels contributes to carbon dioxide emissions.
2. Industrial sector: Japan has a highly industrialised economy, and industrial activities contribute significantly to GHG emissions. This includes sectors such as manufacturing, chemicals and heavy industries.
3. Transportation: The transportation sector, which includes automobile and aviation, contributes to Japan’s GHG emissions.
4. Land use changes: Changes in land use, including deforestation and urbanization, can contribute to emissions.
5. Efforts and policies: Japan has implemented various policies and initiatives to address climate change and reduce GHG emissions. These include energy efficiency measures, support for renewable energy and international commitments.

Japan has set emission reduction targets and is working to transition to a more sustainable and low-carbon economy. 

7. Brazil

Brazil is a notable emitter of GHGs as well. But unlike other notable emitters, Brazil’s main factor for GHG emission is the result of agricultural practices such as land use, livestock farming and deforestation. Wildfires are also a highlighting reason for GHG emissions in Brazil.

Brazil also has been working on initiatives to address deforestation and reduce overall GHG emissions. The international attention on emissions in Brazil has been focused on the conservation of the Amazon rainforest. 

8. Indonesia

Indonesia is also one of the higher GHG emitting countries. Factors such as the energy sector, deforestation and land use changes, peatland degradation, agriculture and industrial processes influence its emission profile. Indonesia has been working on initiatives to address deforestation, promote sustainable land use practices and reduce its overall GHG emissions. The country has also made commitments to increasing the use of renewable energy.

9. Iran

Iran’s main GHG emission drivers are the energy and electricity sector, industrial processes, transportation, and agriculture.

10. Canada

The 10^th most GHG-emitting area in the world is Canada. Like many other countries, the energy sector, transportation, industrial processes, agriculture and others are the drivers of GHG emissions in Canada.

Canada has set emission reduction targets, implemented carbon pricing mechanisms and invested in clean energy initiatives to address GHG emissions in the country.

Paris Agreement

The Paris Agreement is an international treaty designed to address climate change by limiting global warming and mitigating its effects. It was adopted on December 12, 2015, at the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Paris, France. The key objectives of the Paris Agreement are below.

• Limiting Global Warming: The agreement aims to limit the increase in global average temperature well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
• Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Countries must submit nationally determined contributions outlining their climate action plans and commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Global Stock take: The agreement establishes a mechanism for regularly assessing collective progress in meeting the temperature goals.
• Climate Finance: Developed countries committed to providing financial assistance to developing nations to support mitigation and adaptation efforts.
• Adaptation: The agreement emphasises enhancing adaptive capacity and resilience to climate change impacts.
• Transparency and Accountability: It includes provisions for reporting and review of countries’ climate actions to ensure transparency and accountability.

The Paris Agreement is a landmark global effort to unite nations to combat climate change collectively. Each participating country sets its climate targets and policies, reflecting a bottom-up approach to climate action. The agreement entered into force on November 4, 2016, and numerous countries have ratified and are working towards meeting their commitments.

The Paris Agreement led the world to think of the higher emissions in developed and developing countries affected by those emissions. It encouraged developed countries to control their high GHG emission and support the highly impacted countries by GHG emissions.

Conclusion

Some of the world’s leading countries are responsible for two-thirds of the greenhouse gas emissions in the world. But the most affected countries are not those countries. Developing countries, including Sri Lanka, are affected mainly by GHG emissions, for which some developed countries have a higher responsibility. 

The Paris Agreement is a space that paid attention to this matter and is a landmark in combating climate change.

-With inputs from Mihiri Saparamadhu–