The line graph compares carbon dioxide emissions in Europe, North America and Asia between 1980 and 2020, measured in billion tonnes.
Overall, emissions in Asia increased dramatically, whereas those in Europe and North America ended the period lower than they were at its peak. Asia moved from having the lowest emissions to by far the highest.
In 1980 Europe emitted 5.8 billion tonnes and North America 5.4 billion, both well above Asia's 4.2 billion. Europe's figure then stayed almost flat at 5.9 billion in 1990 before falling steadily, to 5.2 billion in 2000, 4.8 billion in 2010 and 3.4 billion in 2020. North America rose to 5.9 billion in 1990 and then to a peak of 6.9 billion in 2000. It declined gradually from then on, ending at 5.2 billion in 2020, below its 1980 level.
Asia's emissions rose at an astonishing rate. They increased from 4.2 billion tonnes to 6.3 billion in 1990, overtaking both other regions, and then reached 9.5 billion in 2000 and 13 billion in 2005. The growth continued to 17 billion in 2010 and 19.5 billion in 2015, and Asia finished at 20.8 billion tonnes, almost five times its 1980 figure.