BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Brunei Darussalam recorded the highest carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions per capita in Asean in 2024, according to data from the Global Carbon Budget 2025 compiled by data platform Our World in Data.
The figures, highlighted in a report by The Star, showed Brunei ahead of regional neighbours Singapore and Malaysia in terms of carbon emissions generated per person.
Malaysia recorded 8.16 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per capita in 2024, making it the third-highest emitter in Asean after Brunei and Singapore. The figure was also above the global average of 4.73 tonnes per capita.
Additional data from Climate Change Tracker showed that Brunei Darussalam’s total greenhouse gas emissions stand at around 15.2 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e), representing approximately 0.03 per cent of global emissions.
However, on a per-person basis, Brunei’s carbon footprint is significantly higher, estimated at 32.8 tonnes per capita annually — placing it within the “extremely high” range.
The figures highlight the challenge faced by small, hydrocarbon-producing economies in reducing emissions while maintaining economic growth and development.
Carbon dioxide is the primary greenhouse gas responsible for global warming and is mainly produced through the burning of fossil fuels, industrial activities and land-use changes.
Brunei’s economy remains heavily reliant on the oil and gas sector, which continues to be a major contributor to national income and exports. The country’s relatively small population also contributes to higher per-capita emission calculations compared to larger economies.
The findings come as countries across Asean continue efforts to transition towards lower-carbon economies in line with commitments under the Paris Agreement.
Brunei has outlined its climate action plans through the Brunei Darussalam National Climate Change Policy (BNCCP), which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while supporting sustainable economic development.
The policy focuses on key areas including industrial emissions reduction, energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption, electric mobility, carbon pricing mechanisms and forest conservation.
Brunei has also committed to increasing renewable energy capacity and strengthening sustainability initiatives as part of its wider environmental agenda.
Across Asean, most countries have recorded increases in per-capita emissions over the past three decades, driven by economic expansion, industrialisation and rising energy demand.
Malaysia, for example, saw its emissions nearly double from 4.41 tonnes per capita in 1994 to 8.16 tonnes in 2024.
Experts note that achieving net-zero targets will require a combination of cleaner energy sources, improved efficiency, technological innovation and stronger climate policies. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
