Carbon Footprint Calculator
A carbon footprint measures the total amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted into the atmosphere due to human activities, typically expressed in terms of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e). It includes emissions from energy use, transportation, food production, and other activities.
What is a Carbon Footprint?
A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide and methane) that are generated by our actions.
The average carbon footprint for a person in the United States is 16 tons, one of the highest rates in the world. Globally, the average carbon footprint is closer to 4 tons. To have the best chance of avoiding a 2℃ rise in global temperatures, the average global carbon footprint per year needs to drop to under 2 tons by 2050. Lowering individual carbon footprints from 16 tons to 2 tons doesn’t happen overnight!
Trees play an important role in reducing our carbon footprint by absorbing carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere during photosynthesis: Absorbing CO₂ - Storing Carbon - Providing Oxygen.
Calculate Your Carbon Footprint
Calculating your carbon footprint is important because it helps you understand the environmental impact of your daily activities and how much you contribute to climate change. Try the Nature Conservancy's interactive calculator to learn your carbon footprint and actions to take to reduce it.