Iran Carbon Footprint
Iran emits 720 million tonnes of CO₂ per year — equivalent to 8.37 tonnes per person, 84.4% above the global average of 4.54 tonnes.
Per-capita emissions comparison
Overview: Iran's emissions profile
Iran is a Asia nation with a population of approximately 86 million. Its total annual CO₂ output of 720 million tonnes represents 2.0% of global emissions. On a per-capita basis, each person in Iran is responsible for 8.37 tonnes of CO₂ per year — compared to the world average of 4.54 tonnes and the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C pathway target of 2.3 tonnes.
Renewable energy in Iran
Source: IEA 2023. Global average: ~30%.
Iran currently generates 8% of electricity from renewables — below the global average of around 30%. Expanding renewable capacity is one of the highest-leverage actions available for reducing national emissions.
Net zero target and climate commitments
Iran does not currently have a legislated net zero target. Setting and enacting credible long-term emissions reduction commitments remains a key challenge for the country's climate policy.
The Paris Agreement (2015) requires countries to submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) — national plans for emissions reduction. Progress against these targets is tracked by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Carbon intensity of the economy
Iran's economy generates 1.1 kg of CO₂ per dollar of GDP — a measure of how carbon-efficient its economic output is. This is relatively high carbon intensity, often reflecting heavy industry, fossil fuel dependence, or energy-intensive manufacturing as a major share of GDP.
How does Iran compare?
With 8.37 tonnes CO₂ per person, Iran is 84.4% above the world average of 4.54 tonnes. To meet the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C pathway, per-capita emissions globally need to fall to around 2.3 tonnes by 2030 — meaning Iran needs to reduce per-capita emissions by 264% from today's levels.
Explore the interactive world emissions map to compare Iran with other countries, or use our free carbon calculator to measure your own footprint.
Frequently asked questions
What is Iran's carbon footprint per person?
Iran's carbon footprint is approximately 8.37 tonnes of CO₂ per person per year. The global average is 4.54 tonnes. Iran is 84.4% above the world average.
What are Iran's total CO₂ emissions?
Iran emits approximately 720 million tonnes of CO₂ per year (IEA 2023 data). This accounts for 2.0% of global annual CO₂ emissions.
Does Iran have a net zero target?
Iran does not currently have a legislated net zero target, though it has made some emissions reduction commitments.
What share of Iran's energy comes from renewables?
Approximately 8% of Iran's electricity generation comes from renewable sources (IEA 2023). There is significant room for renewable energy growth.