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China vs Italy CO2 per capita
China overtook Italy in 2011. In 1970 Italy stood at roughly 525% of China’s CO2 per capita; today the figure is about 54%, and the pair was closest in 2010 (104%).
| Year | China | Italy | Italy as % of China |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 1.11 | 5.85 | 525% |
| 1970 | 1.11 | 5.85 | 525% |
| 1980 | 1.59 | 7.05 | 442% |
| 1990 | 2.13 | 7.51 | 353% |
| 2000 | 2.89 | 7.98 | 276% |
| 2010 | 6.81 | 7.08 | 104% |
| 2020 | 8.48 | 4.97 | 59% |
| 2024 | 9.32 | 5.08 | 54% |
Frequently asked questions
When did China pass Italy in CO2 per capita?
In 2011. China’s published CO2 per capita rose above Italy’s that year and the lead has held since.
How do China and Italy compare today?
China is ahead: 9.32 against 5.08 — the trailing economy stands at about 54% 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: