Alabama CO₂ Emissions
Alabama emitted 104 million metric tons of energy-related CO₂ in 2024, 2.2% of the US total. That ranks it 14th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia, at 20.2 metric tons per person.
Data year 2024 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, State Energy Data System (June 2026)
How much CO₂ does Alabama emit?
Alabama produced 104 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels in 2024. The United States as a whole emitted 4.78 billion metric tons, so Alabama accounts for 2.2% of the national total.
Per person, that is 20.2 metric tons, 1.4 times the US average of 14.1 metric tons. On that measure Alabama ranks 13th highest of 51.
CO₂ emissions in Alabama since 1990
Energy-related emissions in Alabama have fallen by 5% since 1990, from 110 million metric tons to 104 million metric tons. Compared with 2005, the baseline year for many US climate targets and marked on the chart, they have fallen by 27%. Emissions peaked in 2007 at 147 million metric tons and are now 29% below that level.
Emissions by sector
Electric power is the largest source of energy-related CO₂ in Alabama, at about 44% of the total, followed by transportation at 36% and industrial at 17%.
Emissions by fuel
Natural gas produces about 40% of the state’s energy-related CO₂, petroleum 38% and coal 22%.
How Alabama compares with other states
These are the states closest to Alabama in the 2024 ranking by total emissions. See the full ranking of all states.
| # | State | Total (Mt) | Share of US | Per person (t) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | North Carolina | 119.07 | 2.5% | 10.8 |
| 13 | Kentucky | 106.87 | 2.2% | 23.3 |
| 14 | Alabama | 104.32 | 2.2% | 20.2 |
| 15 | Virginia | 99.24 | 2.1% | 11.3 |
| 16 | Missouri | 98.03 | 2.1% | 15.7 |
Frequently asked questions
How much CO₂ does Alabama emit per year?
Alabama emitted 104 million metric tons of energy-related CO₂ in 2024, which is 2.2% of the US total of 4.78 billion metric tons.
What are the CO₂ emissions per person in Alabama?
About 20.2 metric tons per person in 2024, 1.4 times the US average of 14.1 metric tons. That ranks 13th highest of 51.
Have emissions in Alabama fallen since 2005?
They have fallen by 27% since 2005 and fallen by 5% since 1990. Emissions peaked in 2007 at 147 million metric tons and are now 29% below that level.
What is the biggest source of CO₂ in Alabama?
Electric power is the largest sector, at about 44% of energy-related emissions, followed by transportation at 36%. By fuel, natural gas accounts for 40%.
About the data. Figures are energy-related carbon dioxide emissions: CO₂ from burning coal, natural gas and petroleum, in million metric tons. Emissions from power plants are counted in the state where the electricity is generated, not where it is used. Other greenhouse gases and non-energy sources such as agriculture are not included.
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, State Energy Data System, released June 26, 2026. Latest year available: 2024.
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