North Carolina CO₂ Emissions
North Carolina emitted 119 million metric tons of energy-related CO₂ in 2024, 2.5% of the US total. That ranks it 12th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia, at 10.8 metric tons per person.
Data year 2024 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, State Energy Data System (June 2026)
How much CO₂ does North Carolina emit?
North Carolina produced 119 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 North Carolina accounts for 2.5% of the national total.
Per person, that is 10.8 metric tons, 23% below the US average of 14.1 metric tons. On that measure North Carolina ranks 37th highest of 51.
CO₂ emissions in North Carolina since 1990
Energy-related emissions in North Carolina have risen by 7% since 1990, from 111 million metric tons to 119 million metric tons. Compared with 2005, the baseline year for many US climate targets and marked on the chart, they have fallen by 23%. Emissions peaked in 2007 at 154 million metric tons and are now 23% below that level.
Emissions by sector
Transportation is the largest source of energy-related CO₂ in North Carolina, at about 49% of the total, followed by electric power at 34% and industrial at 8%.
Emissions by fuel
Petroleum produces about 54% of the state’s energy-related CO₂, natural gas 32% and coal 15%.
How North Carolina compares with other states
These are the states closest to North Carolina in the 2024 ranking by total emissions. See the full ranking of all states.
| # | State | Total (Mt) | Share of US | Per person (t) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Michigan | 143.10 | 3.0% | 14.2 |
| 11 | Georgia | 127.83 | 2.7% | 11.4 |
| 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 |
Frequently asked questions
How much CO₂ does North Carolina emit per year?
North Carolina emitted 119 million metric tons of energy-related CO₂ in 2024, which is 2.5% of the US total of 4.78 billion metric tons.
What are the CO₂ emissions per person in North Carolina?
About 10.8 metric tons per person in 2024, 23% below the US average of 14.1 metric tons. That ranks 37th highest of 51.
Have emissions in North Carolina fallen since 2005?
They have fallen by 23% since 2005 and risen by 7% since 1990. Emissions peaked in 2007 at 154 million metric tons and are now 23% below that level.
What is the biggest source of CO₂ in North Carolina?
Transportation is the largest sector, at about 49% of energy-related emissions, followed by electric power at 34%. By fuel, petroleum accounts for 54%.
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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