India’s standing as one of the largest carbon emitters is part of a broader global narrative concerning climate change and its consequences. Recent natural disasters, such as the devastating floods in Nepal and severe wildfires in Europe, have heightened awareness of the urgent need to address climate-related issues. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has emphasised that human activities, primarily through greenhouse gas emissions, have unequivocally contributed to global warming, leading to an increased frequency of extreme weather events.

The Paris Agreement, established in 2015, aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C, with efforts to restrict it to 1.5°C. As we approach a decade since its adoption, tracking carbon emissions has become crucial in assessing nations’ progress towards a clean energy transition. The Global Carbon Budget 2025 indicates that global fossil-fuel CO₂ emissions are projected to reach a record high of approximately 38.1 billion tonnes by 2025, predominantly due to the combustion of coal, oil, and natural gas.

This situation raises questions about which countries are the largest contributors to carbon emissions and where India fits into this framework. The latest data from the Global Carbon Budget 2025 provides insights into the annual fossil-fuel and industrial CO₂ emissions for 2024, highlighting the ongoing challenges in reducing emissions while meeting energy demands.

Ranking of Major Carbon Emitters

China leads the list of carbon emitters, accounting for approximately 31.8 per cent of global fossil CO₂ emissions. This significant contribution stems from its extensive manufacturing sector, coal-powered electricity generation, and rapid urbanisation. The country’s industrial activities consume vast amounts of energy, further exacerbating its carbon footprint.

The United States follows, contributing around 12.7 per cent of global emissions, primarily due to its car-centric lifestyle, extensive transportation networks, and industrial activities. Oil and natural gas continue to play a major role in its emissions profile.

India ranks third, responsible for about 8.3 per cent of global fossil CO₂ emissions. With a population exceeding 1.4 billion and rapidly growing urban centres, the demand for electricity is increasing. Although there has been a rise in energy derived from non-fossil fuel sources, coal remains a significant component of India’s energy mix. Other notable emitters include Russia at 4.6 per cent, Japan at 2.5 per cent, and Indonesia at 2.1 per cent, each with unique industrial and energy consumption patterns contributing to their emissions.

India’s Emissions and Global Comparisons

Despite being one of the top three carbon emitters globally, India’s per capita emissions are considerably lower than those of other countries on the list. According to the Global Carbon Budget 2025, India’s fossil CO₂ emissions per capita were approximately 2.2 tonnes in 2024, in stark contrast to around 8.7 tonnes in China and 14.2 tonnes in the United States. This disparity indicates that while India’s total emissions are high due to its large population, the average carbon footprint per individual remains significantly lower.

In 2024, India’s fossil CO₂ emissions increased by 4 per cent, marking the fastest growth among the four largest emitting nations. Projections for 2025 suggest a further increase of 1.1 per cent. This growth presents a challenge as India seeks to balance economic development with environmental responsibilities, especially as millions still lack access to essential services such as electricity and transportation.

The Paris Agreement, adopted on December 12, 2015, and effective from November 4, 2016, allows countries to set their own climate goals through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). While there is growing investment in renewable energy, rising energy demand continues to offset progress. The Global Carbon Budget 2025 estimates that coal accounted for approximately 41 per cent of global fossil CO₂ emissions in 2024, highlighting the ongoing reliance on fossil fuels despite advancements in renewable energy technologies.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store – https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share