CO2 emissions per unit of GDP

Latest Values (Reporting Year: 2023)

Definition, Source, and Methodology

Carbon intensity of GDP (kg CO2e per constant 2015 US$ of GDP) is an environmental metric that measures the amount of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions associated with the production of economic output, normalized by GDP. This indicator reflects the relationship between a country’s carbon emissions and its economic performance, providing insights into the efficiency and sustainability of economic activities. Annual emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), one of the six Kyoto greenhouse gases (GHG), from the agriculture, energy, waste, and industrial sectors, excluding Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF).

Carbon intensity of GDP for each country within a regional grouping is weighted by GDP (constant 2015 US$). This methodology accounts for the economic size of each country, providing a comprehensive overview of carbon emissions relative to economic output across regions. The data is sourced from the World Bank.

Source: 

• World Bank, Carbon Intensity of GDP (kg CO2e per constant 2015 US$ of GDP), accessed April 10, 2025, https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/EN.GHG.CO2.RT.GDP.KD. 
• World Bank, GDP (constant 2015 US$), World Bank National Accounts Data and OECD National Accounts Data Files, accessed April 10, 2025, https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.

Discussion

The Global Developing World averaged 0.69 kg of CO₂ per $ of GDP, reflecting moderate carbon intensity. Emerging Asia (0.77) and Emerging Europe (0.77) had higher emissions per economic output, indicating less efficient energy use, while the Middle East & Central Asia (0.82) was the most carbon-intensive due to fossil fuel reliance. Latin America (0.30) and Sub-Saharan Africa (0.41) were cleaner, with lower emissions relative to GDP. Global Advanced Economies (0.19) represented the lowest emissions per unit of GDP, highlighting high environmental efficiency and effective measures to reduce carbon output while maintaining economic growth. Lower values suggest greener growth. Countries are grouped according to the International Monetary Fund country groupings.

Why it matters for the OPEC Fund

Lower emissions intensity reflects a transition toward more sustainable climate pathways. The OPEC Fund contributes to this shift through operations across relevant priority areas as outlined in the Review and Update of OPEC Fund Strategic Framework 2030—specifically Infrastructure Development, Institutional Capacity, and Food Security and Climate Action—including investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, resilient infrastructure, climate policy and sustainable agricultural practices. This indicator aligns with SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).