CO2 Emissions per Capita: Latvia

Analysis# Latvia CO2 Emissions per Capita Latvia's per capita CO2 emissions reached 3.648 metric tons in 2024, representing a substantial 24.1% decline since 1970. The country peaked at 7.374 metric tons in 1987 during the Soviet era, then dropped to a low of 3.054 metric tons in 2000 following independence and economic restructuring. Current emissions remain near their historical minimum, reflecting decades of structural changes in the energy sector and economy. Recent years show relative stability around 3.6–4.2 metric tons annually. A notable spike occurred in 2018 (4.207 metric tons), likely driven by increased industrial activity, followed by a consistent downward trend through 2024. The sustained low levels suggest Latvia has successfully decoupled emissions growth from economic development, positioning the country among Europe's lower-emitting nations per capita.