Understanding Your Carbon Footprint

The average American produces about 16 metric tons of CO₂ per year — one of the highest per-capita rates in the world. The global average is around 4 tons, and scientists estimate we need to reach about 2 tons to limit warming to 1.5°C.

Where Emissions Come From

  • Transportation: ~29% of U.S. emissions — the largest sector
  • Home energy: ~13% — electricity and heating
  • Food: ~10–15% — meat production is especially intensive
  • Goods & services: ~15% — manufacturing and shipping

Highest-Impact Changes

Research by Wynes & Nicholas (2017) found the highest-impact personal actions are: going car-free (2.4 tons/yr), avoiding one transatlantic flight (1.5 tons), and shifting to a plant-based diet (0.8 tons). These dwarf low-impact actions like recycling.