25. South Africa
> CO2 emissions, metric tons per capita, 2019: 7.40
> CO2 emissions, metric tons per capita, 2010: 8.21 — #33 highest of 147 countries
> CO2 emissions per GDP, 2019: 0.61 — #3 highest of 148 countries
> Total GHG emissions, million metric tons, 2019: 477.10 — #12 highest of 87 countries
South Africa produced the world’s third-highest CO2 emission per GDP in 2019. The cost of energy is a paramount issue in the nation of 59.3 million. Coal is the main energy source, accounting for 70% of power generation capacity.
24. Malaysia
> CO2 emissions, metric tons per capita, 2019: 7.41
> CO2 emissions, metric tons per capita, 2010: 6.73 — #42 highest of 147 countries
> CO2 emissions per GDP, 2019: 0.26 — #40 highest of 148 countries
> Total GHG emissions, million metric tons, 2019: 254.81 — #24 highest of 87 countries
The country of 32.4 million was among the top 25 nations on the list in total greenhouse-gas emissions in 2019. Air pollution from industry, cars, and forest fires is a major problem for the Asian nation. Its share of gas usage declined to 47% in 2015 from 67% in 2005 as it shifted to using more coal.
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23. The Netherlands
> CO2 emissions, metric tons per capita, 2020: 7.72
> CO2 emissions, metric tons per capita, 2010: 10.28 — #23 highest of 147 countries
> CO2 emissions per GDP, 2020: 0.15 — #62 lowest of 148 countries
> Total GHG emissions, million metric tons, 2020: 136.55 — #36 highest of 87 countries
The Netherlands has launched an aggressive decoupling from fossil fuels, including a commitment to trim greenhouse-gas emissions by 49% by 2030 and building offshore wind power. The country aims to have 100% of its electricity needs come from renewables by 2050. For now, the nation of 17.4 million still depends on fossil fuels, however.
22. Czech Republic
> CO2 emissions, metric tons per capita, 2020: 7.88
> CO2 emissions, metric tons per capita, 2010: 10.53 — #22 highest of 147 countries
> CO2 emissions per GDP, 2020: 0.22 — #54 highest of 148 countries
> Total GHG emissions, million metric tons, 2019: No data
Coal is an essential source of energy for the nation of 10.7 million people and air pollution is a problem. Its car fleet is old and runs on diesel fuel. The IEA is working with the Czech Republic to wean it off of coal as a power and heating source. The nation established a state energy policy in 2015. The Czech Republic aims to slash energy consumption and expand nuclear power.
21. Japan
> CO2 emissions, metric tons per capita, 2020: 8.15
> CO2 emissions, metric tons per capita, 2010: 8.84 — #28 highest of 147 countries
> CO2 emissions per GDP, 2020: 0.20 — #61 highest of 148 countries
> Total GHG emissions, million metric tons, 2020: 1038.20 — #5 highest of 87 countries
The world’s third-largest economy generated the fifth-highest level of total greenhouse-gas emissions in 2020. Greenhouse-gas emissions peaked in 2013 after the Fukushima accident led to the closure of nuclear plants and a surge in fossil-fuel use. Japan, with a population of 125 million, is trying to diversify its energy mix and is aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050.
