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Sub-Saharan Africa

South Africa

South Africa emitted about 44 million tonnes of CO₂ from fossil fuels and industry in 2024, 1.1% of the world total, making it the 15th largest emitter. About 6.9 tonnes per person per year, 1.5 times the world average of 4.7 tonnes.

CO₂ in 2024
440Mt

1.1% of the world · 15th largest

Per person
6.9t

World average 4.7 t

Change since 2005
+6%

+41% since 1990

Total since 1850
22.8bn t

1.2% of all CO₂ ever emitted

Renewable electricity
14%

World 34% (2025)

Annual CO₂ emissions

million tonnes, fossil fuels and industry
Show the data as a table
YearCO₂ (Mt)
2024439.83
2023436.60
2022428.78
2021439.46
2020435.30
2019470.73
2018453.77
2017440.01
2016457.05
2015457.47
2014481.64
2013456.19
2012461.44
2011474.27
2010467.35
2009474.51
2008494.67
2007465.03
2006446.74
2005416.21
2004449.32
2003404.41
2002356.50
2001371.60
2000378.33
1999374.87
1998377.27
1997385.22
1996363.73
1995361.71
1994338.70
1993320.35
1992301.33
1991326.03
1990312.93

Per person vs the world

tonnes of CO₂
  • World average
  • South Africa

Renewable share of electricity

%
  • World
  • South Africa

Where South Africa's electricity came from, 2025

  • Coal 81.4%
  • Oil 0.8%
  • Nuclear 4.2%
  • Hydro 0.8%
  • Wind 4.7%
  • Solar 8.0%
  • Bioenergy & other 0.2%

Source: Global Carbon Budget and Ember via Our World in Data ·

On the map

South Africa in the world

Also in Sub-Saharan Africa

NigeriaAngolaKenyaGhanaTanzaniaEthiopiaCote d'IvoireSenegalZimbabweZambiaCameroonCongo

All countries

About South Africa's emissions

How much CO₂ does South Africa emit?

South Africa emitted about 44 million tonnes of CO₂ from fossil fuels and industry in 2024, 1.1% of the world total, making it the 15th largest emitter.

What are South Africa's CO₂ emissions per person?

About 6.9 tonnes per person per year, 1.5 times the world average of 4.7 tonnes.

Are South Africa's emissions going down?

No. CO₂ emissions in 2024 were +6% compared with 2005 and +41% compared with 1990.

How much of South Africa's electricity is renewable?

13.6% in 2025, from hydro, wind, solar and bioenergy, against a world average of 33.8%.