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Question 5, 2026-11-05climate, resources

In 2024, what share of the world's CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels and industry came from making cement?

The answer
3.8%
of CO₂ emissions

About 3.8%

That was 1.5 billion tonnes. Most of it is released by the chemical reaction that turns limestone into cement, not by the fuel that heats the kilns.

Data: 2024. Source: Global Carbon Project via Our World in Data

Behind the number
Burning coal, oil and gas makes 94% of the world's CO₂. Making cement comes next, with 3.8%. The world's CO₂ from fossil fuels and industry, by source, 2024. Data: Global Carbon Budget, via Our World in Data.Heat 100 kg of limestone in a kiln and 44 kg of it goes up as CO₂. Where cement's CO₂ comes from. Data: IUPAC standard atomic weights.China's cement went from 4th in 1980 to more CO₂ than the rest of the world. Since 2020 it has fallen by a quarter. CO₂ from making cement, million tonnes a year, 1970 to 2024. Data: Global Carbon Budget, via Our World in Data.If cement were a country, it would be the 5th biggest emitter of CO₂, ahead of Japan. CO₂ from fossil fuels and industry, billion tonnes, 2024. Data: Global Carbon Budget, via Our World in Data.
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