CO2 Emissions per Capita: Uruguay

Analysis# Uruguay CO2 Emissions per Capita Uruguay's CO2 emissions per capita reached 2.568 metric tons in 2024, positioning the country slightly below its all-time peak of 2.663 metric tons in 2012. Since 1970, per capita emissions have risen 32.2%, climbing from a low of 1.072 metric tons in 1986. This modest increase reflects Uruguay's relatively low-carbon development compared to regional peers, though emissions have remained volatile across five decades. The past decade reveals significant fluctuations, with emissions dropping to 1.891 metric tons in 2017 before surging to 2.518 metric tons by 2021. The recent upward trajectory—from 2.034 in 2020 through 2.568 in 2024—suggests growing energy demand or increased reliance on carbon-intensive sources. Whether this trend continues depends on Uruguay's renewable energy expansion and industrial activity over the coming years.