📉 Global CO2 emissions per person have peaked

📉 Global CO2 emissions per person have peaked

CO2 emissions per person peaked in 2012 and have decreased since then. When emissions from land use are included, data shows the peak was reached already in the 1970s.

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  • CO2 emissions per person peaked in 2012 and have decreased since then.
  • When emissions from land use are included, data shows the peak was reached already in the 1970s.
  • Total global CO2 emissions continue to increase, with a rise of 0.8 percent in 2024.

Turning point in personal emissions

The latest figures from the Global Carbon Project show that the world's CO2 emissions per person from fossil fuels have decreased since peaking in 2012, according to Our World In Data.

When emissions from land use are included - which are more uncertain and vary more - the highest level was reached already in the 1970s. Since then, these emissions have fluctuated without a clear upward trend.

Total emissions continue to rise

Despite the decrease in emissions per person, preliminary calculations from the Global Carbon Project show that total global CO2 emissions increased by 0.8 percent in 2024. This is mainly due to population growth exceeding the reduction in personal emissions.

Data shows that people's lifestyles are evolving in a more climate-friendly direction. The reduced emissions per person indicate an ongoing change in how people live and consume. However, to reach climate goals, the total amount of emissions needs to decrease at a faster rate.

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