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China vs Brazil CO2 per capita
China overtook Brazil in 1981. In 1970 Brazil stood at roughly 101% of China’s CO2 per capita; today the figure is about 25%, and the pair was closest in 1971 (100%).
| Year | China | Brazil | Brazil as % of China |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 1.11 | 1.12 | 101% |
| 1970 | 1.11 | 1.12 | 101% |
| 1980 | 1.59 | 1.71 | 107% |
| 1990 | 2.13 | 1.52 | 72% |
| 2000 | 2.89 | 2.01 | 69% |
| 2010 | 6.81 | 2.27 | 33% |
| 2020 | 8.48 | 2.15 | 25% |
| 2024 | 9.32 | 2.32 | 25% |
Frequently asked questions
When did China pass Brazil in CO2 per capita?
In 1981. China’s published CO2 per capita rose above Brazil’s that year and the lead has held since.
How do China and Brazil compare today?
China is ahead: 9.32 against 2.32 — the trailing economy stands at about 25% 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: