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 over 75% of Canada’s GHG emissions in 2009.

According to the International Energy Agency, Canada’s CO₂ emissions in 2009 accounted for approximately 2% of global emissions.

Canada’s share of total emissions, like that of other developed countries, is expected to decline in the face of the expected rapid emissions growth from developing countries, particularly China and India.^[1] Between 1990 and 2009, global emissions of CO₂ have increased by 38%.

Distribution of world carbon dioxide emissions from fuel combustion, 2009

Note: The indicator only reports energy-related carbon dioxide emissions from fuel combustion. Emissions from non-energy-related sources, gas flaring, and emissions of CH₄, N₂O, HFC, PFC, and SF₆ are not included in the indicator.
Source: International Energy Agency (2011) Key World Energy Statistics. 

Related indicators

• National Greenhouse Gas Emissions
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions per Person and per Unit Gross Domestic Product
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Economic Sector
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Province and Territory
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Large Facilities

Other information

• Impacts of Greenhouse Gas Emissions
• Environment Canada - Climate Change
• Canada’s Action on Climate Change