Carbon dioxide emissions in Canada 1960-2023

Canada’s carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel combustion and industrial processes totaled 549 million metric tons (MtCO₂) in 2023. Since 1990, Canada's annual fossil CO₂ emissions have grown by 20 percent.

Canada's most polluting sectors

The oil and gas industry is Canada's largest source of emissions, with activities within this sector producing an estimated 220 MtCO₂e in 2023. This accounted for almost one-third of the country's total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that year. The transportation sector followed, with vehicles on land, sea, and in the air emitting roughly 160 MtCO₂e.

Which Canadian province has the biggest carbon footprint?

Alberta is the largest emitter of GHG emissions in Canada. In 2022, the western province released 270 MtCO₂e, almost twice the emissions produced in Ontario. Oil production in Alberta contributes to the province’s high emission levels, especially under periods of increased oil sands production.