CO2 Emissions per Capita: Lesotho

Analysis# Lesotho CO2 Emissions per Capita Lesotho's per capita CO2 emissions reached 0.428 metric tons in 2024, approaching its all-time peak of 0.429 metric tons recorded in 2022. Since 1970, the country has experienced a dramatic 494.4% increase in per capita emissions, climbing from a low of 0.059 metric tons in 1993. Despite remaining among the world's lowest emitters, this upward trajectory reflects growing energy consumption and economic development over the past five decades. The most striking trend occurred between 2015 and 2022, when emissions surged 51.6% from 0.283 to 0.429 metric tons. A temporary dip in 2020 (0.315 metric tons) corresponded with pandemic-related economic disruptions, but emissions quickly rebounded in 2021. Current levels have stabilized near the 2022 peak, suggesting Lesotho's emissions profile may be stabilizing at this elevated plateau.