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Canada vs Australia CO2 per capita
Australia overtook Canada in 1990. In 1970 Canada stood at roughly 131% of Australia’s CO2 per capita; today the figure is about 99%, and the pair was closest in 2023 (100%).
| Year | Canada | Australia | Australia as % of Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 12.85 | 16.8 | 131% |
| 1970 | 12.85 | 16.8 | 131% |
| 1980 | 15.13 | 18.37 | 121% |
| 1990 | 16.27 | 15.91 | 98% |
| 2000 | 18.6 | 17.7 | 95% |
| 2010 | 18.85 | 16.53 | 88% |
| 2020 | 15.3 | 14.42 | 94% |
| 2024 | 14.1 | 14.01 | 99% |
Frequently asked questions
When did Australia pass Canada in CO2 per capita?
In 1990. Australia’s published CO2 per capita rose above Canada’s that year and the lead has held since.
How do Canada and Australia compare today?
Australia is ahead: 14.1 against 14.01 — the trailing economy stands at about 99% of the leader.
Are these CO2 per capita figures nominal or adjusted?
They are exactly as the World Bank publishes them — metric tons per capita — with no interpolation or estimation for missing years.
Full series
Every published year for both economies, with charts, downloads and citations: