December 04, 2019
In recent years, international forums for accelerating action on climate change have turned into finger pointing exercises about which countries should do the heavy-lifting when it comes to tackling global warming. The US and China are usually deemed the worst culprits because they produce the most carbon dioxide in absolute terms, accounting for a combined 42 percent of global pollution. But population and economy size are two major determinants of a country's carbon footprint. When CO2 emissions are considered on a per-capita basis, for instance, China doesn't even make the top ten. Here's a comparative look at the countries that pollute the most.
From Your Site Articles
More For You
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Saudi Arabia, on September 3, 2025.
IMAGO/APAimages via Reuters Connect
To understand the deepening rift between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, following the UAE's exit from OPEC, GZERO spoke with Gulf expert Firas Maksad. He breaks down the tensions between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh and what "OPEC-xit" means for the region.
Most Popular
Chinese banks are helping with the investments.
The President of Argentina, Javier Milei (bottom left), gestures in response to comments from deputies, alongside Secretary of the Presidency Karina Milei (bottom right), Minister of Human Capital Sandra Petovello (top left), and Minister of Economy Luis Caputo (top right), during the Chief of Cabinet's management report session in Congress. (in Buenos Aires, Argentina on April 29, 2026).
Silvana Safenreiter/NurPhoto
Right-wing leaders have been consolidating power across Latin America, driven by voter frustration with rising organized crime. However, with another batch of elections coming this year and next, the right's winning streak could be under threat.
© 2025 GZERO Media. All Rights Reserved | A Eurasia Group media company.
