Key facts
- Global carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions increased to 41.0 billion metric tons in 2025, up from 40.7 billion metric tons in 2024.
- Renewable electricity generation grew by approximately 861 terawatt-hours in 2025, slightly more than the total increase in global electricity generation.
- U.S. emissions rose by 3.2% in 2025, a rebound that reversed declines from the previous two years.
- China's emissions growth nearly stalled in 2025, increasing by only about 4 million metric tons.
- North America was responsible for 47.1% of the global emissions increase in 2025.
Global carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions reached a new record high in 2025, climbing to 41.0 billion metric tons, an increase of 1.1% from the previous year. This occurred despite significant growth in renewable energy sources like solar and wind, which collectively covered the entire net increase in global electricity generation. The Energy Institute's 2026 Statistical Review of World Energy, published in partnership with Ember, highlights this central contradiction in the global energy system.
The United States was a primary driver of the global emissions increase, accounting for 47.1% of the rise. U.S. emissions rebounded by 3.2% in 2025, reversing declines from prior years, largely due to a surge in coal-fired power generation alongside growing renewable capacity to meet rising electricity demand.
In contrast, China, the world's largest emitter, saw its emissions growth nearly stall in 2025, with an increase of only about 4 million metric tons. This slowdown was attributed to rapid growth in non-fossil fuel electricity generation, including renewables, nuclear, and hydro, which offset a decrease in coal-fired power.
India also experienced a notable slowdown in emissions growth in 2025. Developing nations outside the OECD continue to dominate global emissions, accounting for 70.5% of the total, a significant shift from 1990. While Asia Pacific contributed a smaller portion of the 2025 increase, North America and Africa showed significant contributions relative to their total emissions.