North Korea carbon profile

North Korea emits roughly 55 Mt of CO₂ per year — about 0.15% of global emissions, ranking #53 worldwide. At 2.1 tonnes per person (#80 per capita), its footprint is below the global average of ~4.7 t.

Emissions have declined steadily over the past five years (-10%) and fallen sharply over the decade (-25%). The sustained downward trajectory suggests structural decarbonization rather than a one-off dip.

Renewables supply about 55% of electricity. The energy transition is well underway, but fossil generation still sets the emissions baseline.

Emissions are likely to stay near current levels through 2030 absent major policy change. Maintaining clean growth while industrializing is the key challenge.