Chart showing global data for fossil fuel consumption per capita, COâ‚‚ emissions per capita, and GDP per capita from 1820 to 2022. As fossil fuel consumption increased, so did COâ‚‚ emissions and GDP.
Sources: Our World in Data, BP Statistical Review of World Energy, The World Bank, and Wells Fargo Investment Institute. Annual data from January 1, 1820 to December 31, 2022. GDP = gross domestic product. Per capita data is calculated by taking emissions, consumption, and GDP data divided by the global population. GDP data is in constant international dollars and is sourced from Our World in Data . Due to a lack of total GDP data in 2019 and 2020, GDP data in international dollars was sourced from The World Bank. The commodities markets are considered speculative, carry substantial risks, and have experienced periods of extreme volatility. Investing in commodities is not appropriate for all investors. The commodities markets are considered speculative, carry substantial risks, and have experienced periods of extreme volatility.
Key Takeaways
- The main fuels used to power rising global energy use have been the fossil fuels: oil, coal, and natural gas.
- Historically, fossil fuels, along with technological advancements, have helped elevate global GDP per person. However, fossil fuels have helped push carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions to hit record levels.