In 2023, global CO₂ equivalent emissions grew by 2.1%, surpassing 40 billion metric tons for the first time, according to the 2024 Statistical Review of World Energy. This figure includes carbon dioxide emissions from energy, flaring, and methane emissions.

The U.S. and European Union saw reductions in emissions by 2.7% and 6.6%, respectively. However, emissions in the Asia Pacific region rose by 4.9%, offsetting these declines. Since 1990, U.S. and EU emissions decreased by 126 million metric tons (-2.4%) and 1.2 billion metric tons (-31.8%), while global CO₂ equivalent emissions increased by 16.5 billion metric tons.

China, the largest emitter, contributed over one-quarter of the global total with 12.6 billion metric tons in 2023, a 6% year-over-year increase. Despite investments in renewable energy, China’s reliance on coal remains significant. India and Indonesia also saw substantial emission increases, correlating with their industrial growth.

The data highlights that efforts in the U.S. and EU are being counterbalanced by rising emissions in the Asia Pacific, driven by economic expansion in China and India. These trends emphasize the complexity of global carbon emission challenges, requiring coordinated international efforts to manage.