3 Nations Emit Half of Global Greenhouse Gases

China, the US, and India together account for more than half of global greenhouse gas emissions, with China being the largest emitter in 2025. The US was the second-largest greenhouse gas emitter in 2025, followed by India as the third-largest.

The ranking of greenhouse gas emitters was published by Visual Capitalist on October 16, 2026, based on data from the European Commission's Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research (EDGAR). This database provides a comprehensive overview of global emissions, allowing for the identification of the top emitters.

## Why it matters The concentration of emissions among the world's largest economies, including China, the US, and India, highlights the need for these countries to take significant steps to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. As the largest emitters, their actions will have a substantial impact on global efforts to mitigate climate change.

The top 10 countries for emissions have been ranked, with China, the US, and India leading the list. This ranking serves as a reminder of the importance of international cooperation and collective action to address the global challenge of climate change.

## Top emitters The ranking of the top emitters is based on data from 2025, providing a snapshot of the current state of global emissions. China's position as the largest emitter, followed by the US and India, underscores the significance of these countries' roles in shaping the global emissions landscape.

The European Commission's Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research (EDGAR) is a reliable source of data on global emissions, providing insights into the emissions trends and patterns of different countries. The database is widely used by researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to inform their decisions and actions on climate change mitigation.