CO2 Emissions per Capita: Ireland

Analysis# Ireland CO2 Emissions per Capita Ireland's per capita CO2 emissions reached 6.036 metric tons in 2024, marking the lowest point in the 54-year dataset. This represents a dramatic decline from the country's peak of 11.911 metric tons in 2001, and reflects a net reduction of 13.6% since 1970 despite significant economic growth over the period. The current figure sits substantially below Ireland's historical average, signaling a fundamental shift in the relationship between emissions and economic activity. The most significant momentum emerged after 2015, when emissions stood at 8.007 metric tons. From that point forward, Ireland reduced per capita emissions by approximately 25% in nine years, with particularly sharp declines in 2020 (6.805) and 2023 (6.187). The recent trajectory suggests a continued downward trend, driven by renewable energy expansion and sectoral efficiency improvements rather than economic contraction.