Carbon Footprint
The total greenhouse gas emissions caused by an individual, organization, or product, measured in CO2 equivalents.
What You Need to Know
Your carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases you're responsible for, measured in tons of CO2 equivalent per year.
Average Carbon Footprints (tons CO2/year):
- U.S. resident: 16 tons
- European resident: 7 tons
- Global average: 4 tons
- Target to prevent climate catastrophe: 2 tons by 2050
Where It Comes From:
- Transportation: 29% (cars, planes, shipping)
- Electricity: 25% (coal, natural gas power plants)
- Industry: 23% (manufacturing, construction)
- Buildings: 13% (heating, cooling, cooking)
- Agriculture: 10% (livestock, fertilizer)
Personal Breakdown (average American):
- Driving 12,000 miles/year: 4.6 tons
- Single round-trip flight NYC to London: 1.6 tons
- Eating meat-heavy diet: 2.5 tons
- Home energy use: 8 tons
How to Reduce It:
- Drive electric or use public transit: Save 2-4 tons/year
- Eat less meat: Save 0.5-1.5 tons/year
- Use renewable energy: Save 4-6 tons/year
- Fly less: Each avoided long flight saves 1-2 tons
Carbon Offsets: Pay to neutralize emissions through tree planting, renewable energy, etc.
- Cost: $10-30 per ton of CO2
- Average person: $160-480/year to offset fully
The Bottom Line: Most people drastically underestimate their carbon footprint. Transportation and energy use are the biggest levers—small changes have huge impact.
Sources & References
This information is sourced from authoritative government and academic institutions:
- epa.gov
https://www.epa.gov/carbon-footprint-calculator
Related Calculators & Tools
Put your knowledge into action with these interactive tools:
Related Terms in Policy & Economics
Carbon Dividend
A policy that rebates carbon-tax revenue equally to households so most people receive more back than they pay.
Carbon Offset
A reduction in greenhouse gas emissions or increase in carbon storage to compensate for emissions made elsewhere.
Carbon Tax
A government policy that charges emitters a fee for each ton of carbon dioxide they release into the atmosphere.
Electric Vehicle (EV)
A vehicle powered by an electric motor and battery pack instead of an internal combustion engine.
Energy Efficiency
Using less energy to perform the same tasks, reducing energy waste and costs.
Greenhouse Gas
Gases in Earth's atmosphere that trap heat and contribute to global warming, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.