CO2 Emissions per Capita: Korea, Dem. People's Rep. of

Analysis# Korea, Dem. People's Rep. of CO2 Emissions per Capita North Korea's per capita CO2 emissions stood at 2.5 metric tons in 2024, representing a dramatic 65% decline from the all-time peak of 7.138 metric tons in 1985. The country has cut emissions by half since 1970, falling to 1.277 metric tons in 2015—the lowest point in the 54-year dataset. Current levels remain well below historical highs, though recent years show modest fluctuation around 2.5 metric tons. The sharpest decline occurred between 1985 and 2015, reflecting fundamental changes in industrial activity and energy consumption. Since 2015, emissions have rebounded slightly and stabilized in the 2.2–2.8 metric ton range, with 2024 showing marginal growth compared to 2023. This modest volatility suggests relative stability in the country's carbon footprint over the past decade.