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China vs Mexico CO2 per capita
China overtook Mexico in 2004. In 1970 Mexico stood at roughly 214% of China’s CO2 per capita; today the figure is about 39%, and the pair was closest in 2004 (97%).
| Year | China | Mexico | Mexico as % of China |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 1.11 | 2.38 | 214% |
| 1970 | 1.11 | 2.38 | 214% |
| 1980 | 1.59 | 3.58 | 225% |
| 1990 | 2.13 | 3.5 | 164% |
| 2000 | 2.89 | 4.02 | 139% |
| 2010 | 6.81 | 4.2 | 62% |
| 2020 | 8.48 | 3.46 | 41% |
| 2024 | 9.32 | 3.64 | 39% |
Frequently asked questions
When did China pass Mexico in CO2 per capita?
In 2004. China’s published CO2 per capita rose above Mexico’s that year and the lead has held since.
How do China and Mexico compare today?
China is ahead: 9.32 against 3.64 — the trailing economy stands at about 39% 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: