Annual Carbon Footprint Calculator

Estimate your annual $CO_2$ emissions based on consumption and travel habits.

Annual Driving (Miles/km) Use either miles or kilometers (miles assumed).

Annual Long-Haul Flights (Count) Each flight is over 3 hours.

Household Size (People)

Diet Type Impact

Your Annual CO2 Emissions

Annual Footprint (Tonnes $CO_2$)

Status vs. Global Average

Comparison Data

The global average carbon footprint is roughly 4 tonnes per person.

Estimating Your Personal Carbon Footprint

The **Carbon Footprint Calculator** provides an estimate of your annual **CO2 emissions** in **tonnes** based on key factors like transportation, housing, and diet. Your **carbon footprint** represents the total amount of **greenhouse gases** (primarily **CO2**) generated by your activities. Understanding this figure is the first step toward achieving a more **sustainable living** lifestyle and minimizing your impact on **climate change**.

Calculating CO2 Emissions (Simplified Model)

The total **carbon footprint** is the sum of emissions from several weighted factors. This calculation uses estimated emission factors for:

**Driving/Transportation:** Accounts for annual miles driven (using an average vehicle emission factor).
**Flights:** Long-haul air travel is heavily weighted due to high emissions at altitude.
**Housing:** Based on household size and assumed energy usage.
**Diet:** **Meat consumption** (especially beef) generates significantly more **CO2 emissions** than plant-based diets.

The result is expressed in **tonnes** of **CO2 emissions** per year.

Sustainable Living and Climate Change

The average **carbon footprint** varies widely by country, but global targets suggest the average needs to be below $2$ tonnes per person to effectively combat **climate change**. Use this **CO2 emissions estimate** to identify areas (like high **meat consumption** or frequent air travel) where you can make changes toward a more **sustainable living** model.

Carbon Footprint FAQs

What is considered a good carbon footprint?

To curb **climate change**, experts suggest aiming for a personal **carbon footprint** below $2$ **tonnes** of **CO2 emissions** per year. The current US average is much higher, highlighting the need for increased **sustainable living** efforts.

How does diet affect CO2 emissions?

Diet is a major factor in **CO2 emissions**. Producing red meat (beef, lamb) requires significantly more land, water, and energy than producing poultry or plant-based foods. Reducing **meat consumption** is one of the most impactful ways to lower your **carbon footprint**.

How can I reduce my carbon footprint?

The best ways to reduce your **carbon footprint** involve choosing plant-based foods, minimizing air travel, maximizing energy efficiency in your home, and driving less. Our **CO2 emissions estimate** helps you prioritize these **sustainable living** changes.