Annual Share of Global CO2 Emissions
Data, Graphs, and Maps
Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12Earth and Space Sciences, Geography, Mathematics
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Provided by Our World in Data
What it is
- This interactive map, chart, and data table show the annual share of global emissions of CO2 for numerous countries.
- Some data begin in 1750 and values are represented as percentages of the total.
Teaching tips
Positives
- This resource is easy to use and all resources are customizable and downloadable.
- Students can explore the map data for the whole world or by specific continents.
Additional Prerequisites
- Students should know how to read a map and a line graph.
- Students should be familiar with percentages.
- The chart may be hard to read if too many countries are selected at the same time.
Differentiation
- In social studies, history, or geography classes, teachers could ask students to answer the following questions (individually or in small groups) before they use the resource:
- Which three countries do you think are responsible for the largest percentage of CO2 emissions? Why?
- Which three countries do you think were responsible for the largest percentage of CO2 emissions in 1950? 1900? 1850? 1800? 1750?
- Write down five countries that you think are among the lowest contributors to CO2 emissions.
- How did your knowledge of world history help you to answer these questions?
- Teachers could use the map as a hook for a lesson on climate change by showing students the play feature of the map without any explanation, and then asking students how it makes them feel.
From the scientist review
The resource presents the sum of all countries' CO2 emissions in a given year and is calculated from the statistical differences from the global carbon accounts. The methods used are appropriate and recommended for students to gain insights.
Ready to use it?
Hosted on ourworldindata.org
Want this to fit your class?
Add your location for local examples, questions, and action ideas.
