Greenhouse gas emissions

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the main greenhouse gas heating the planet. Six other gases are much more powerful, but less abundant.
In 2018, greenhouse gas emissions reached 51.8 billion tonnes


Greenhouse gas emissions (million tonnes, carbon dioxide equivalent)

Carbon dioxide; From burning fossil fuels

Nitrous oxide: From fossil fuels, fertiliser and manure

Methane: Generated by coal and gas production, intensive livestock farming

Fluorinated gases: HFCs, PFCs, sulphur hexafluoride, nitrogen trifluoride


2018: Worldwide emissions from all human sources equivalent to 51.8 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide. More than 1,600 tonnes per second

2009: Emissions dip 2.9 percent following global financial crisis

CO2 is responsible for about 75 percent of global warming

1990: 34,820

2018: 51,800
1,800 
2,800
9,700
37,500


50
40
30 
20 
10
0
1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020


Greenhouse gas emissions by sector

Electricity 25%
Agriculture 24%
Manufacturing 21%
Transportation 14%
Buildings 6%
Other 10%

Sources: Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, GatesNotes 
Picture: Associated Press
© GRAPHIC NEWS