CO2 Emissions per Capita: South Africa

Analysis# South Africa CO2 Emissions per Capita South Africa's per capita CO2 emissions stood at 6.877 metric tons in 2024, down from a peak of 9.546 metric tons in 2008 and marginally above the 2023 low of 6.759 metric tons. Over the full 54-year period from 1970 to 2024, emissions have declined 17.4%, reflecting a long-term decoupling of carbon intensity from economic activity despite the country's energy-intensive coal-dependent economy. The most significant shift occurred after 2015, when emissions began a sustained downward trajectory from 8.149 metric tons. The drop accelerated sharply in 2020, falling to 7.445 metric tons, likely reflecting pandemic-related economic contraction and reduced industrial activity. Since then, emissions have stabilized in the 6.7–6.9 range, suggesting structural improvements in energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption may be taking hold alongside temporary demand reductions.