CO2 Emissions per Capita: Greenland

Analysis# Greenland CO2 Emissions per Capita Greenland's per capita CO2 emissions reached 10.453 metric tons in 2024, positioning the country well below its 2011 peak of 12.004 metric tons but dramatically above its 1970 baseline of 0.017 metric tons. The 54-year period from 1970 to 2024 saw emissions surge by over 61,000%, reflecting rapid industrialization and infrastructure development across the Arctic territory. Despite this extraordinary long-term increase, recent years signal stabilization rather than continued growth. The past decade reveals a critical inflection point. After peaking in 2011, emissions declined steadily through 2017, reaching 8.956 metric tons before rising again through 2024. The 2022–2024 uptick suggests renewed pressure from energy demands and economic activity. Current emissions hover near 10.5 metric tons per capita, indicating Greenland remains among higher-emitting territories globally, with trajectory dependent on future energy infrastructure investments and renewable transition progress.