29 November 2024
The story of global CO2 emissions over the last century is one of rapid transformation, driven by industrialization, population growth, and economic development. Using insights and data available on CO2.fyi, we can trace this evolution from the dawn of industrialization to the modern day.
In 1900, global CO2 emissions were a fraction of today’s levels. Coal was the dominant fuel, powering industries in the United States, the United Kingdom, and parts of Europe. By 1920, emissions had started to rise sharply, driven by World War I’s industrial demands and the subsequent recovery period.
The mid-century years saw another spike during World War II, when industrial production soared. By 1950, global CO2 emissions had doubled compared to 1900 levels, setting the stage for even steeper increases in the following decades.
This era marked a global economic boom fueled by fossil fuels. Advances in technology and transportation, particularly the rise of cars and airplanes, contributed to a dramatic increase in oil consumption. The United States dominated emissions during this period, while Europe followed closely.
The oil crises of the 1970s momentarily slowed the rise of emissions, sparking discussions about energy efficiency and alternative energy sources. Yet, global emissions continued to grow overall.
The late 20th century saw Asia emerge as a major emitter, led by China’s industrialization and India’s growing economy. During this period, China transitioned from an agrarian society to the “factory of the world,” which brought with it a significant increase in coal consumption and emissions.
By the end of the century, China was rapidly catching up to the United States, while Europe and North America began showing the first signs of stabilization in emissions due to environmental policies and improved energy efficiency.
The 21st century brought globalization and an interconnected economy, with global trade facilitating emissions growth in developing countries. By 2010, China had overtaken the United States as the largest emitter, a title it still holds today. Countries in Africa and South America also began contributing more, albeit on a smaller scale relative to population.
However, the 2010s also marked a turning point in climate awareness. International agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, began to address emissions reduction. Developed countries started to decouple economic growth from emissions, with renewable energy gaining traction.
As of 2022, global emissions are showing signs of plateauing in some regions, but the global average remains high. Major emitters like China, the United States, and India continue to shape global trends, while innovations in renewable energy and carbon capture technologies offer hope for the future.
Tracking these changes over time, as CO2.fyi allows you to do, highlights both the challenges and progress in reducing emissions. From its beginnings in the industrial revolution to today’s globalized economy, the CO2 story is a complex interplay of human innovation, economic growth, and environmental stewardship.