In 2024, global CO₂ emissions reached 37.4 billion tons, a slight increase from the previous year's 37.0 billion tons. The top five emitting countries—China, the United States, India, Russia, and Japan—contributed a combined total of 23.13 billion tons, accounting for approximately 61.8% of global emissions. Per capita, the highest emissions were recorded in Qatar, Kuwait, Brunei, Bahrain, and Trinidad and Tobago, significantly exceeding the world average of 4.6 tons per person. In stark contrast, countries like Malawi, the Central African Republic, Somalia, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo had some of the lowest per capita emissions, highlighting the disparity in carbon footprints across the globe.

Compared to 2023, emissions increased in 163 countries, decreased in 48, and remained stable in 2. The largest decreases were observed in countries like Germany, the United Kingdom, and South Africa, indicating successful efforts in reducing emissions. Conversely, significant increases were noted in countries such as India and Indonesia, reflecting ongoing industrial growth and energy demands. These trends underscore the global challenge of balancing economic development with environmental sustainability, as the majority of countries continue to grapple with rising emissions.