Shocking Climate Change Data: China Tops Carbon Emissions, Where Do India and the U.S. Stand?

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Fresh data on carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, the leading contributor to global warming and climate change, has raised serious global concerns. According to 2023 statistics released by Statista, China remains the world’s largest carbon emitter, while India ranks third on the list.

The report states that China emitted approximately 11.9 billion metric tons of CO₂ in 2023, keeping it at the top. The United States comes in second with 4.9 billion metric tons. While the U.S. has reduced its emissions by about 13% between 2010 and 2023, China’s emissions increased by 38% over the same period.

Top 5 Carbon Emitting Countries (2023)

China: 11.9 billion metric tons

USA: 4.9 billion metric tons

India: 3 billion metric tons

Russia: 1.8 billion metric tons

Japan: 0.988 billion metric tons

In response to the alarming figures, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced at a high-level climate summit that his country aims to reduce carbon emissions by 7–10% by 2035. He also committed to expanding China’s solar and wind energy capacity, calling it a “need of the hour” and urging greater global cooperation on climate issues.

In contrast, former U.S. President Donald Trump has taken an opposing stance, describing climate change as a “hoax” and criticizing China and the European Union for their large investments in renewable energy.

Experts warn that despite decades of debate, greenhouse gas emissions remain at record levels, and global temperatures are approaching dangerous thresholds, posing a serious threat to the environment and human health.