Carbon Footprint of the Average American (Updated for 2023)

The average CO2 emissions per person in the US is 14.8 metric tons of CO2-equivalent. In this updated analysis for 2023, we delve into the carbon emissions landscape across the United States, providing a state-wise breakdown of per-capita and total CO2 emissions. These figures give you a starting point for understanding your own ecological footprint and a baseline to start your climate journey.

If you just want the data, please scroll past the next section.

Carbon Footprint Definitions

Before we get to the data, here are some common terms related to carbon footprints and CO2 emissions that will help you understand the data. Understanding these terms is essential for comprehending the significance of the data presented in the subsequent sections.

What is a Carbon Footprint?

The carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide, that are released into the atmosphere as a result of human activities, such as transportation, energy use, and food production.

The carbon footprint is measured in MTCO2e to account for the varying global warming potentials of different greenhouse gases. It provides a standardized unit that expresses the equivalent warming effect of a given amount of each gas compared to carbon dioxide over a specific time frame.

What is a Metric Ton of CO2 Equivalent (MTCO2e)?

A metric ton of CO2 equivalent (MTCO2e) is a unit of measurement used to express the global warming potential of various greenhouse gases in terms of the amount of carbon dioxide that would have the same warming effect over a specified time period. It provides a standardized measure for comparing emissions from different greenhouse gases.

What are Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)?

Greenhouse gases are substances in the Earth's atmosphere that trap heat. The most common ones include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and fluorinated gases. These gases contribute to the greenhouse effect, leading to global warming.

What is Global Warming?

Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to human activities, primarily the emission of greenhouse gases. It is a key aspect of climate change.

How is Carbon Footprint Measured?

A person's carbon footprint is measured by assessing the total amount of greenhouse gases, typically expressed in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e), that result from their direct and indirect activities. The process involves considering various factors, including energy consumption, transportation choices, diet, and lifestyle habits.

Carbon Emissions in the US

This table shows the average carbon footprint per person in the United States. This is the latest data available in 2023. The figures represent a comprehensive overview of each state's contribution to the nation's total carbon emissions, considering both per-capita and total emission values.

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (2023).

Analysis of Average American CO2 Emissions

The data highlights notable disparities, with some states exhibiting higher emissions due to factors such as greater reliance on fossil fuels, energy-intensive industries, or less emphasis on renewable energy sources. Conversely, states with lower per capita emissions may showcase successful efforts in adopting cleaner energy technologies, promoting energy efficiency, and implementing sustainable practices.

• The 5 states with the lowest CO2 emissions per person average are New York, Massachusetts, California, Maryland and Vermont.
  • New York has a per-capita carbon footprint of just 7.8 MTCO2e, or about 53% of the national average.
• The 5 states with the highest average CO2 emissions per person are Louisiana, West Virginia, Alaska, North Dakota and Wyoming.
  • Wyoming has a per-capita CO2 emissions of 94.3 MTCO2e, or a whopping 6.4 times the national average!
• The top 10 states account for over 50% of all CO2 emissions in the United States.
  • The top 5 states Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida, California and Texas account for over a third (33%) of the national carbon footprint.

Effect of COVID on Carbon Emissions in the US

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented changes to our daily lives, transforming the way we work, travel, and interact. Amid the challenges and disruptions: a temporary and profound impact on carbon emissions in the United States. As lockdowns were enforced, travel restrictions implemented, and industries slowed, the nation experienced an unexpected pause in its bustling activities, offering a unique opportunity to examine the relationship between human activities and environmental impact.

During the early stages of the pandemic, the sharp decline in transportation, industrial production, and overall economic activity led to a noticeable reduction in carbon emissions across the country. The sudden quiet on highways, skies, and city streets prompted scientists and environmentalists to closely monitor the changes in atmospheric carbon levels.

• The US average carbon footprint per person dropped from 15.7 MTCO2e in 2019 to 13.9 MTCO2e in 2020, a drop of 11.5%. The carbon footprint of the average American had not been this low since at least 1970.
• The overall CO2 emissions for the United States also dropped by about 11%. This was the lowest number since 1983!
• The states with the biggest drop in CO2 emissions per person were Massachusetts, Montana, Washington, New Jersey and Hawaii.
  • The average emissions in Hawaii dropped by almost 30% between 2019 and 2020!

These shifts in per capita CO2 emissions brought about by the unique circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic show the potential for transformative change when faced with global challenges. These temporary reductions in emissions serve as a reminder that our individual and collective actions hold the power to shape the trajectory of environmental impact. As we navigate the post-pandemic world, the insights gained from this period prompt us to consider sustainable practices, resilient policies, and innovative solutions that can contribute to a more ecologically conscious and balanced future.

Carbon Footprint per Person by Country

The average CO2 emissions per person in the world is 4.8 metric tons of CO2-equivalent. Understanding the carbon footprint on a global scale is crucial for gauging the collective impact of human activities on the environment. In this section, we delve into the carbon footprints of different countries. By examining the average carbon footprints of individuals in different countries, we gain valuable insights into the broader context of global sustainability and the shared responsibility we all bear.

Source: EDGAR - Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research (2023)

Analysis of Average Carbon Footprint per Person by Country

• The 5 countries with the lowest CO2 emissions per person average are Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Afghanistan and Western Sahara.
  • Burundi has a per-capita carbon footprint of just 0.6 MTCO2e, or about 4% of the US average carbon footprint.
• The 5 countries with the highest average CO2 emissions per person are Trinidad and Tobago, Kuwait, Bahrain, Palau and Qatar.
  • Qatar has a per-capita CO2 emissions of 67.4 MTCO2e, or about 4.5 times the average American CO2 emissions.
• The United States ranks #17 in per-capita carbon footprint.
• The top 5 countries China, United States, India, Russia and Brazil account for over 56% of the world's CO2 emissions.

More Information about Carbon Emissions in the US

In this section, we will provide information about the factors the affect the ecological footprint of Americans and how you can reduce your carbon footprint.

What contributes most to the average American's carbon footprint?

The average American's carbon footprint is largely influenced by factors such as energy consumption, transportation choices, diet, and consumption habits. Understanding these factors helps identify areas where individuals can make changes to reduce their environmental impact.

What role do lifestyle choices play in carbon footprints?

Lifestyle choices, including transportation preferences, dietary habits, and consumption patterns, can significantly impact one's carbon footprint. For instance, choosing sustainable transportation, reducing meat consumption, and minimizing waste can contribute to lower individual carbon footprints.

How can individuals and businesses reduce their carbon footprint?

Individuals and businesses can reduce their carbon footprint by adopting energy-efficient practices, using renewable energy, choosing sustainable transportation options, implementing waste reduction strategies, and supporting carbon offset initiatives.

What are carbon offsets, and how do they work?

Carbon offsets are investments in projects that reduce or capture greenhouse gas emissions to balance out one's own emissions. These projects may include reforestation, renewable energy initiatives, or methane capture. Carbon offsets are measured in MTCO2e and can be used to compensate for unavoidable emissions.

Immurio has developed a special carbon footprint calculator that lets you measure your personalized carbon footprint. You can choose from our wide array of carbon projects to support to offset your footprint. Try the Household Carbon Calculator now and get your free Personal Carbon Report.

What is Energy Efficiency?

Energy efficiency involves using less energy to provide the same level of service. It includes practices and technologies that reduce the amount of energy required for various activities, contributing to lower carbon emissions.

What is Renewable Energy?

Renewable energy comes from natural sources that are replenished on a human timescale, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, and geothermal heat. Using renewable energy helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lowers carbon emissions.

How does renewable energy contribute to reducing the carbon footprint?

Renewable energy sources, like solar and wind power, produce electricity with lower or zero emissions compared to fossil fuels. Transitioning to renewable energy helps decrease the carbon intensity of electricity generation, a significant contributor to carbon footprints.

How do fossible fuels contribute to climate change?

Fossil fuels are non-renewable energy sources formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals. They include coal, oil, and natural gas. Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide and contributes significantly to the carbon footprint.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our exploration of the carbon footprint of the average American, its variations across states, and its global context underscores the urgency for informed action. We've examined the impact of individual choices, state-level disparities, and global comparisons. The data and insights presented in this article serve not only as a reflection of our current environmental impact but also as a call to action. By embracing sustainable practices, advocating for responsible policies, and fostering a collective commitment to environmental stewardship, we can pave the way for a future where our carbon footprint is lighter, and the planet thrives.