CEE: CO2 Emissions Per Capita, by country
CountryEmissions,
in metric tons of CO2 equivalent
Russian FederationRussia11.4
Czech RepublicCzech Republic9.3
PolandPoland8.1
EstoniaEstonia7.8
BulgariaBulgaria6.8
BelarusBelarus6.2
Bosnia and HerzegovinaBosnia and Herzegovina6.1
SlovakiaSlovakia6.1
SerbiaSerbia6.0
SloveniaSlovenia6.0
KosovoKosovo4.8
LithuaniaLithuania4.6
HungaryHungary4.4
CroatiaCroatia4.3
MontenegroMontenegro3.7
RomaniaRomania3.7
North MacedoniaNorth Macedonia3.6
UkraineUkraine3.6
LatviaLatvia3.6
MoldovaMoldova1.7
AlbaniaAlbania1.7
  • Region: Central and Eastern Europe
  • Time period: 2022
  • Published: Jan 2024

Data Analysis and Insights

Updated: Mar 29, 2024 | Published by: Statistico | About Us | Data sources

Russian Federation leads in CO2 emissions

The Russian Federation tops the chart with the highest carbon dioxide emissions per capita among the countries listed, at 11.4 metric tons. This figure significantly surpasses the emissions of other countries in the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) region, highlighting a major environmental challenge for the nation.

Lowest emissions found in Albania and Moldova

Albania and Moldova are the countries with the lowest carbon dioxide emissions per capita in the CEE region, both at 1.7 metric tons. Their considerably lower emissions stand out, demonstrating a stark contrast with the highest emitter, the Russian Federation.

Emissions span a wide range across the CEE region

Emissions per capita in the CEE region exhibit a wide span, from as low as 1.7 metric tons in Albania and Moldova to as high as 11.4 metric tons in the Russian Federation. This range underscores the varying environmental footprints and potentially different energy policies and consumption patterns across these nations.

Top emitters primarily located in the northern and western parts of the region

Countries with higher emissions per capita, such as the Russian Federation (11.4 metric tons), Czech Republic (9.3 metric tons), and Poland (8.1 metric tons), are primarily located in the northern and western parts of the CEE region. This geographic pattern might reflect industrial activities and energy usage trends specific to these areas.

Balkan countries show moderate emissions

Balkan countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Montenegro, show moderate carbon dioxide emissions per capita, with figures ranging from 3.6 to 6.0 metric tons. These levels indicate a middle ground in the spectrum of emissions intensity within the CEE region.

Slight clustering around 6 metric tons of CO2 equivalent

A noticeable cluster of countries, including Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovakia, Serbia, and Slovenia, have emissions per capita around the 6 metric tons mark. This clustering suggests a common emissions profile that could reflect similar economic structures or energy mixes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which country has the highest carbon dioxide emissions per capita among the listed countries?

The Russian Federation has the highest carbon dioxide emissions per capita, at 11.4 metric tons.

Which countries have the lowest carbon dioxide emissions per capita in the CEE region?

Albania and Moldova have the lowest carbon dioxide emissions per capita in the CEE region, both at 1.7 metric tons.

What is the range of emissions per capita in the CEE region?

Emissions per capita in the CEE region range from 1.7 metric tons to 11.4 metric tons.

What is the emissions per capita in Balkan countries?

Balkan countries show moderate carbon dioxide emissions per capita, ranging from 3.6 to 6.0 metric tons.

Terms and Definitions

The Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) Region refers to the group of countries located in Central Europe, Eastern Europe, and Southeast Europe. Often, this term is used to describe post-Soviet and post-Yugoslav countries during their periods of economic transformation.

Carbon dioxide emissions are the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere predominantly as a result of burning fossil fuels and the process of deforestation. These emissions contribute to the greenhouse effect and are a primary driver of climate change.

Per capita is a Latin term that translates to "by head." It's often used in statistics and economics to calculate an average per person. In the context of carbon dioxide emissions, per capita refers to the average amount of CO2 each individual emits in a given population.

Fossil fuels are naturally occurring hydrocarbons, such as coal, crude oil and natural gas, which are formed from the ancient remains of plants and animals. They are primarily used for energy production, but their combustion leads to the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Climate change is a long-term shift in global or regional climate patterns. Often related to an increase in average global temperatures, climate change includes changes in weather, sea levels, and the occurrence of more frequent extreme weather events. Human activity, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, is widely recognized as a significant driver of these changes.

The greenhouse effect refers to the trapping of the sun's warmth in the Earth's lower atmosphere due to the greater transparency of the atmosphere to visible radiation from the Sun than to infrared radiation emitted from the planet's surface. This effect drives global warming and climate change.

Deforestation is the removal or clearing of forested lands, usually to allow for the construction of buildings or to use the timber for fuel or industrial purposes. This process contributes to carbon dioxide emissions as trees absorb CO2, therefore less trees lead to more CO2 in the atmosphere.
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