Global Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Fuel Combustion

Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from fuel combustion represent the majority of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from human activity in Canada and around the world. CO2 from fossil fuel combustion represented approximately 78% of Canada’s GHG emissions in 2010.[1],[2]

According to the International Energy Agency, Canada’s CO2 emissions in 2010 accounted for approximately 2% of global CO2 emissions.

Canada’s share of global emissions, like that of other developed countries, is anticipated to decline with the expected rapid increase in emissions from developing countries, particularly China and India.[3] Between 1990 and 2010, global emissions of CO2 have increased by 44%, with Canada’s CO2 emissions increasing by 20%.[4]

Distribution of world carbon dioxide emissions from fuel combustion, 2010

Distribution of world carbon dioxide emissions from fuel combustion, 2010

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How this indicator was calculated

Note: This indicator only reports energy-related CO2 emissions from fuel combustion. Emissions from non-energy-related sources, gas flaring, and emissions of other GHGs are not included in the indicator.
Source: International Energy Agency (2012) CO2 Emissions from Fuel Combustion 2012 – Highlights.

Related indicators

Other information

[1] Environment Canada (2012) National Inventory Report 1990–2010: Greenhouse Gas Sources and Sinks in Canada.

[2] CO2 emissions from fuel combustion reported in Canada’s National Inventory Report may differ from those reported by the International Energy Agency due to some methodological difference in estimation methods.

[3] Environment Canada (2012) Canada’s Emissions Trends.

[4] Environment Canada (2012) National Inventory Report 1990–2010: Greenhouse Gas Sources and Sinks in Canada.