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Answer key · for teachers
Figures as of November 14, 2026, from each chart's current data.
Chart 1 of 1 · World
The chart's answer: In 2024, people in the United States emitted 13.6 tonnes of carbon dioxide each, in China 9.3 and in India 2.2, against 4.7 worldwide. The highest figure was 82.8 tonnes in Palau, then Qatar (47.3) and Bahrain (23.9). Search 203 countries and territories. The figures count carbon dioxide from burning fuel, industry and other sources, but not from changes in land use such as cutting forests; in a small country, a few power plants, refineries or fuel sales spread over few people can make the figure very high.
Compare the United States, China and India. Which emits the most per person, and is that the one that emits the most in total?
Why might some small countries have the highest figures on the chart?
Which seems fairer for comparing countries' share of the blame for climate change, total emissions or emissions per person? Why?
Open question: answers will vary. Look for answers that use the chart's numbers and source.
Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (CC BY 4.0 (credit the World Bank)) · Data as of Dec 31, 2024 · chart.ly/charts/carbon-emissions-per-person-by-country
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