40. Ireland
> CO2 emissions, metric tons per capita, 2020: 6.35
> CO2 emissions, metric tons per capita, 2010: 8.57 — #29 highest of 147 countries
> CO2 emissions per GDP, 2020: 0.07 — #9 lowest of 148 countries
> Total GHG emissions, million metric tons, 2019: No data
Ireland was able to recover from the 2008 economic crisis and limited its carbon footprint in the process. This was achieved partly through its elevated use of wind power. Ireland has the second-highest share of wind in electricity generation of any International Energy Agency member. The island republic of 5 million people also has reduced its use of oil. Because Ireland is becoming a desirable place for data hosting, electricity needs will increase, possibly setting back decarbonization efforts.
39. Bosnia and Herzegovina
> CO2 emissions, metric tons per capita, 2020: 6.42
> CO2 emissions, metric tons per capita, 2010: 5.53 — #54 highest of 147 countries
> CO2 emissions per GDP, 2020: 0.48 — #12 highest of 148 countries
> Total GHG emissions, million metric tons, 2019: No data
Bosnia and Herzegovina had the 12th-highest level of CO2 emissions per GDP in 2020. The Balkan country of 3.3 million is working to diversify its energy needs through solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal. Electricity is supplied equally by fossil fuels and hydroelectric plants.
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38. Austria
> CO2 emissions, metric tons per capita, 2020: 6.42
> CO2 emissions, metric tons per capita, 2010: 8.17 — #35 highest of 147 countries
> CO2 emissions per GDP, 2020: 0.13 — #49 lowest of 148 countries
> Total GHG emissions, million metric tons, 2019: No data
Austria was in the top third of nations producing CO2 emissions per GDP in 2020. Its government is targeting 2040 to reach carbon neutrality. The country of 8.9 million people had reached 77% renewables share of electricity by 2018.
37. Finland
> CO2 emissions, metric tons per capita, 2020: 6.46
> CO2 emissions, metric tons per capita, 2010: 11.56 — #17 highest of 147 countries
> CO2 emissions per GDP, 2020: 0.14 — #58 lowest of 148 countries
> Total GHG emissions, million metric tons, 2019: No data
Finland, among the 20 highest generators of CO2 emissions metric tons per capita in 2010, has ambitious plans to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2035. The Nordic nation of 5.5 million is targeting transportation and industry to reduce carbon emissions. Finland also is a world leader in second-generation biofuels.
36. Estonia
> CO2 emissions, metric tons per capita, 2020: 6.47
> CO2 emissions, metric tons per capita, 2010: 14.02 — #13 highest of 147 countries
> CO2 emissions per GDP, 2020: 0.19 — #64 highest of 148 countries
> Total GHG emissions, million metric tons, 2020: 9.14 — #13 lowest of 87 countries
Estonia is rich in oil shale, giving the Baltic nation energy independence. However, use of this energy source has made the country of 1.3 million among the most carbon-intensive countries in Europe. The government is shifting away from shale and aims to stop producing shale oil in 2035, with a goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.
