CO2 Emissions per Capita: India

Analysis# India CO2 Emissions per Capita India's per capita CO2 emissions reached 2.174 metric tons in 2024, marking the highest level in the nation's recorded history. This represents a 457.4% increase since 1970, when emissions stood at just 0.377 metric tons. Despite this dramatic rise, India's current per capita emissions remain modest compared to global averages, reflecting the country's large population base relative to its total carbon output. The trajectory shows consistent upward pressure since 2020, when a pandemic-related dip to 1.68 metric tons occurred. Emissions have climbed every year since, jumping from 1.837 metric tons in 2021 to the 2024 peak. This acceleration correlates with India's rapid industrialization and growing energy consumption, suggesting continued increases unless major policy interventions reshape the country's energy infrastructure and economic patterns.