World's Top Polluters: Where Does India Stand?

Last Updated:May 28, 2025, 15:00 IST

China, the USA, and India are the top carbon emitters, with China aiming for carbon neutrality by 2060, the US transitioning to renewables, and India targeting net zero by 2070

India is heavily dependent on coal but is working towards reducing this dependence through renewable energy, with a goal of net zero by 2070. (News18)

The primary global concern regarding climate change at the moment is minimising carbon emissions. Notably, the top three countries making significant efforts in this regard are China, the United States of America, and India. Global efforts are underway to address this issue.

Top Carbon Emitting Countries

Let us first look at the countries emitting the most carbon and the quantities they are emitting as of 2023. The data is provided in million tonnes of CO₂ per year (MtCO₂/yr), sourced from the Global Carbon Project, IEA, and EDGAR.

1. China: Responsible for 30% of the world’s total CO₂ emissions, primarily due to heavy reliance on coal. However, China is investing in solar and wind energy, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2060. Current emissions are 12,400 MtCO₂. Energy sources: Coal (55%), Oil (20%) and Gas (10%).
2. The United States of America: Accounts for 14% of global emissions. The USA is transitioning towards natural gas and renewable energy, though progress may be affected by political changes. Current emissions are 5,100 MtCO₂. Energy sources: Oil (45%), Gas (33%) and Coal (12%).
3. India: Contributes 7% of global emissions. India is heavily dependent on coal but is working towards reducing this through renewable energy, with a goal of net zero by 2070. Current emissions are 3,400 MtCO₂. Energy sources: Coal (70%) and Oil (25%).
4. Russia: Emits 5% of global carbon emissions, focusing on natural gas exports but lagging in renewable energy advancement.
5. Japan: Accounts for 3% of global emissions and is promoting nuclear energy and investing in hydrogen technology to reduce carbon emissions.

Effects On Climate

• Global Warming: Earth’s temperature is rising due to CO₂ and other greenhouse gases, currently 1.2°C higher than pre-industrial levels.
• Extreme Weather Events: Increased frequency of floods, droughts, and storms worldwide.
• Rising Sea Levels: Glaciers are melting, threatening coastal cities; many coastal cities in countries like Bangladesh and the Maldives risk submersion.
• Loss of Biodiversity: Adverse impacts on various ecosystems.

Measures To Reduce Carbon Emissions

• Transition to Renewable Energy: Emphasising solar, wind, and hydropower.
• Carbon Pricing: Implementing carbon taxes or cap-and-trade systems, as seen in Europe.
• Adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs):  Providing subsidies for EVs (For instance, 90% of new cars in Norway are EVs).
• Energy Efficiency: Constructing energy-efficient buildings and industries equipped with energy-saving technology.

Emissions Per Capita (2023)

• Saudi Arabia: 18 tonnes/capita
• USA: 15 tonnes/capita
• Russia: 12 tonnes/capita
• Germany: 9 tonnes/capita
• China: 8.5 tonnes/capita
• India: 2.4 tonnes/capita

Major Sources Of Emissions (By Country)

• China/India: Power generation (coal), industry, and construction.
• USA/Europe: Transport (oil) and domestic energy.
• Russia/Saudi Arabia: Fossil fuel extraction and export.

What Are Greenhouse Emissions?

Greenhouse gases (GHGs) trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, causing a greenhouse effect.

• Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): Released by burning fossil fuels (coal, petrol, diesel).
• Methane (CH₄): Emitted from agriculture, animal husbandry, and landfills.
• Nitrous Oxide (N₂O): Released from fertilisers and industrial processes.
• Fluorinated Gases (HFCs, PFCs, SF₆):  Released from refrigeration and industrial use.

Understanding Carbon Emissions

Carbon emissions mainly consist of CO₂, resulting from human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation, and constitute about 75% of GHG emissions.

Both greenhouse and carbon emissions lead to global warming, climate change, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events.

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