CO2 Emissions per Capita: Zambia

Analysis# Zambia CO2 Emissions per Capita Zambia's CO2 emissions per capita reached 0.543 metric tons in 2024, reflecting a 36.6% decline since 1970. The country peaked at 0.972 metric tons in 1973, more than 1.7 times its current level. After hitting a low of 0.174 metric tons in 2007, emissions have risen substantially over the past 17 years, climbing back to levels approaching mid-1990s figures. The most significant inflection point occurred around 2007, when Zambia's per capita emissions bottomed out. Since then, a consistent upward trajectory has emerged, with 2015–2024 showing particularly steady growth from 0.357 to 0.543 metric tons. This recent decade-long increase suggests rising energy consumption and economic activity, positioning Zambia among Africa's lower emitters while indicating accelerating industrial and development pressures.