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China vs Switzerland CO2 per capita
China overtook Switzerland in 2009. In 1970 Switzerland stood at roughly 601% of China’s CO2 per capita; today the figure is about 40%, and the pair was closest in 2008 (103%).
| Year | China | Switzerland | Switzerland as % of China |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 1.11 | 6.69 | 601% |
| 1970 | 1.11 | 6.69 | 601% |
| 1980 | 1.59 | 6.85 | 430% |
| 1990 | 2.13 | 6.66 | 313% |
| 2000 | 2.89 | 6.23 | 216% |
| 2010 | 6.81 | 5.92 | 87% |
| 2020 | 8.48 | 4.16 | 49% |
| 2024 | 9.32 | 3.75 | 40% |
Frequently asked questions
When did China pass Switzerland in CO2 per capita?
In 2009. China’s published CO2 per capita rose above Switzerland’s that year and the lead has held since.
How do China and Switzerland compare today?
China is ahead: 9.32 against 3.75 — the trailing economy stands at about 40% 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: