Saudi Arabia Carbon Footprint
Saudi Arabia emits 638 million tonnes of CO₂ per year — equivalent to 18.23 tonnes per person, 301.5% above the global average of 4.54 tonnes.
Per-capita emissions comparison
Overview: Saudi Arabia's emissions profile
Saudi Arabia is a Middle East nation with a population of approximately 35 million. Its total annual CO₂ output of 638 million tonnes represents 1.7% of global emissions. On a per-capita basis, each person in Saudi Arabia is responsible for 18.23 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 Saudi Arabia
Source: IEA 2023. Global average: ~30%.
Saudi Arabia currently generates 3% 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
Saudi Arabia has committed to reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2060. This target is later than the 2050 deadline recommended by the IPCC for limiting warming to 1.5°C.
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
Saudi Arabia's economy generates 0.69 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 Saudi Arabia compare?
With 18.23 tonnes CO₂ per person, Saudi Arabia is 301.5% 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 Saudi Arabia needs to reduce per-capita emissions by 693% from today's levels.
Explore the interactive world emissions map to compare Saudi Arabia with other countries, or use our free carbon calculator to measure your own footprint.
Frequently asked questions
What is Saudi Arabia's carbon footprint per person?
Saudi Arabia's carbon footprint is approximately 18.23 tonnes of CO₂ per person per year. The global average is 4.54 tonnes. Saudi Arabia is 301.5% above the world average.
What are Saudi Arabia's total CO₂ emissions?
Saudi Arabia emits approximately 638 million tonnes of CO₂ per year (IEA 2023 data). This accounts for 1.7% of global annual CO₂ emissions.
Does Saudi Arabia have a net zero target?
Yes — Saudi Arabia has committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2060.
What share of Saudi Arabia's energy comes from renewables?
Approximately 3% of Saudi Arabia's electricity generation comes from renewable sources (IEA 2023). There is significant room for renewable energy growth.