CO₂ emissions · Africa · 2024 data
Lesotho CO₂ Emissions
Lesotho emitted 2.6 million tonnes of CO₂ from fossil fuels and industry in 2024, or 1.10 t per person — #152 of 213 countries and 0.01% of global emissions. That is 23% of the world average of 4.73 t per person. Emissions peaked in 2021 at 3.1 million tonnes and are now 17% lower.
CO₂ emissions of Lesotho, 1990–2024
Million tonnes of CO₂ per year · fossil fuels and industry, excluding land use · Our World in Data, based on the Global Carbon Budget and Jones et al. (CC BY 4.0)
CO₂ emissions by year (table)
| Year | CO₂ (million t) | Per person (t) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2.6 | 1.10 | +3.1% |
| 2023 | 2.5 | 1.08 | -2.2% |
| 2022 | 2.6 | 1.12 | -17.6% |
| 2021 | 3.1 | 1.37 | +55.9% |
| 2020 | 2.0 | 0.89 | -9.2% |
| 2019 | 2.2 | 0.99 | +1.0% |
| 2018 | 2.2 | 0.99 | -5.3% |
| 2017 | 2.3 | 1.06 | +12.8% |
| 2016 | 2.0 | 0.95 | -0.9% |
| 2015 | 2.0 | 0.97 | -8.8% |
| 2014 | 2.2 | 1.08 | +5.5% |
| 2013 | 2.1 | 1.03 | -23.9% |
| 2012 | 2.8 | 1.37 | +1.2% |
| 2011 | 2.8 | 1.37 | +21.3% |
| 2010 | 2.3 | 1.14 | +2.6% |
| 2009 | 2.2 | 1.12 | +4.5% |
| 2008 | 2.1 | 1.08 | +2.3% |
| 2007 | 2.1 | 1.06 | +2.0% |
| 2006 | 2.0 | 1.05 | +1.1% |
| 2005 | 2.0 | 1.03 | +1.7% |
| 2004 | 2.0 | 1.00 | +2.5% |
| 2003 | 1.9 | 0.97 | +1.4% |
| 2002 | 1.9 | 0.96 | +1.8% |
| 2001 | 1.9 | 0.94 | +1.2% |
| 2000 | 1.9 | 0.92 | +1.4% |
| 1999 | 1.8 | 0.91 | +1.2% |
| 1998 | 1.8 | 0.90 | +1.9% |
| 1997 | 1.8 | 0.89 | +1.9% |
| 1996 | 1.7 | 0.88 | +1.8% |
| 1995 | 1.7 | 0.88 | +2.0% |
| 1994 | 1.7 | 0.87 | +2.7% |
| 1993 | 1.6 | 0.86 | +2.7% |
| 1992 | 1.6 | 0.85 | +3.9% |
| 1991 | 1.5 | 0.83 | +3.7% |
| 1990 | 1.5 | 0.81 | — |
Where Lesotho's CO₂ comes from
Coal is the largest source. A coal-heavy mix means power generation is the main lever for cutting emissions.
Per person: Lesotho vs the world
Primary energy use: 1,682 kWh per person (world 21,654 kWh).
All greenhouse gases (2024)
Frequently asked questions about CO₂ emissions in Lesotho
How much CO₂ does Lesotho emit?
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How much has Lesotho contributed to climate change historically?
Data: Our World in Data, based on the Global Carbon Budget and Jones et al. (CC BY 4.0). CO₂ figures cover fossil fuels and industry (territorial), excluding land-use change unless stated.