The World’s Top 10 Greenhouse Gas Emitting Countries
The world is becoming increasingly aware of global warming and climate change. Today, let’s explore the top 10 countries that emit the most greenhouse gases, which could slow down efforts to achieve climate goals.
In 2024, global carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from fossil fuels are projected to reach 37.4 billion tons, the highest level in history—a 0.8% increase from 2023. This data highlights a paradox: despite global efforts to reduce CO₂ emissions, emissions continue to rise. This trend raises concerns about whether the world can meet its climate targets, including:
- 30-40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030
- Achieving carbon neutrality by 2050
- Reaching net-zero emissions by 2065
According to data from GeeksforGeeks, the top 10 countries with the highest greenhouse gas emissions are as follows:
- China – 10,667 million tons
- United States – 4,712 million tons
- India – 2,441 million tons
- Russia – 1,577 million tons
- Japan – 1,030 million tons
- Iran – 745 million tons
- Germany – 644 million tons
- Saudi Arabia – 625 million tons
- South Korea – 597 million tons
- Indonesia – 589 million tons
Thailand’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions
According to Thailand’s Climate Change and Environment Department, Thailand ranks 20th in the world in greenhouse gas emissions (Climate Watch Data, 2020). The energy sector contributes more than 70% of the country’s emissions. However, Thailand aims for sustainable growth with a low-carbon economy and climate resilience through public participation.
Data from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment provides a breakdown of Thailand’s emissions:
- Energy Sector: 69.06% (257,340.89 GgCO₂eq)
- Power generation and industrial energy use: 40.05%
- Transportation: 29.16%
- Manufacturing and construction: 20.24%
- Other sources: 6.56%
- Agriculture Sector: 15.69% (58,486.02 GgCO₂eq)
- Crop cultivation: 77.57%
- Livestock farming: 22.43%
- Biomass burning: 2.92%
- Urea fertilizer application: 2.86%
- Industrial Processes & Product Use: 10.77% (40,118.14 GgCO₂eq)
- Non-metallic industries: 51.28%
- Chemical industries: 33.17%
- Industries using ozone-depleting substances: 13.33%
- Waste Sector: 4.48% (16,703.68 GgCO₂eq)
- Waste disposal: 52.53%
- Wastewater treatment: 45.71%
- Incineration: 1.08%
- Biological waste treatment: 0.68%
Sources: GeeksforGeeks, Thailand’s Climate Change and Environment Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
