CO2 Emissions per Capita: Korea, Republic of

Analysis# Korea, Republic of CO2 Emissions per Capita South Korea's per capita CO2 emissions reached 11.362 metric tons in 2024, reflecting a modest decline from recent years but remaining substantially elevated compared to historical baselines. The nation's emissions peaked at 13.192 metric tons in 2018, nearly seven times the 1.916 metric tons recorded in 1971. Since 1970, per capita emissions have surged 487.8%, marking one of the steepest increases among developed economies during this period. A notable turning point emerged around 2018–2019, when emissions began a gradual downward trajectory. The 2020 dip to 11.909 metric tons likely reflects pandemic-related economic disruption, though emissions subsequently rebounded before stabilizing around 11.4–11.9 metric tons through 2024. This recent plateau suggests South Korea's emissions may be moderating, possibly due to renewable energy investments and industrial efficiency measures, though current per capita levels remain among the world's highest for high-income nations.