The line graph illustrates changes in carbon dioxide emissions across different countries and regions from 1960 to 2019, measured in gigatons.
Overall, it is clear that global CO₂ emissions increased substantially over the period, with China showing the most dramatic rise. In contrast, emissions in the USA and the EU28 peaked and then declined, while India experienced a steady but moderate increase.
At the beginning of the period, CO₂ emissions in China and India were negligible, whereas the USA and EU28 produced considerably higher levels, at around 3 to 4 gigatons each. Emissions from “all other” regions rose consistently and remained the largest contributor throughout the timeframe.
From the 1980s onwards, China’s emissions grew rapidly, overtaking those of the EU28 in the early 2000s and surpassing the USA shortly after. By 2019, China had become the highest individual emitter, reaching just over 10 gigatons. In contrast, emissions in the USA peaked at slightly above 5 gigatons before gradually declining, while the EU28 followed a similar downward trend, falling to approximately 3.5 gigatons by the end of the period.
Meanwhile, India’s emissions increased steadily, though at a slower pace, finishing at under 3 gigatons. The category of “all other” countries showed uninterrupted growth, ending at around 15 gigatons, making it the largest overall source of emissions.