Understanding the science behind carbon emissions and how your daily activities impact the climate
A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases (primarily CO₂) generated by your actions. It's measured in kilograms or tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e).
4 tons/year
Per person worldwide
16 tons/year
Per person in the USA
2 tons/year
By 2050 to limit warming
Most emissions-intensive per km. A 500km flight = 125 kg CO₂
Average car. 10km commute = 2.1 kg CO₂ per day
Slightly more efficient due to newer vehicle fleets
70% less than car. Great for daily commutes
80% less than car. Best public transport option
Zero emissions! Best for trips under 5km
Highest emissions. Includes methane from cattle, land use, and feed production
Second-highest due to methane emissions
Dairy production requires significant resources
Moderate emissions from feed and land use
More efficient than red meat. 85% less than beef
Varies by fishing method. Farmed fish may differ
95% less than beef. Plant-based diet is most sustainable
Lowest emissions. No animal products
Varies by region. Coal = higher, renewables = lower
Common for heating and cooking
Higher emissions. Consider heat pumps
Renewable energy = zero operational emissions
Fast fashion has high carbon cost. Buy secondhand when possible
Manufacturing and mining materials. Keep devices longer
Complex manufacturing. Repair instead of replace
Reusing extends product life and avoids new manufacturing
CarbonCoach uses emission factors from trusted scientific sources:
Our calculations are estimates with approximately ±15% accuracy. Actual emissions vary based on:
Despite these variations, our factors provide reliable relative comparisonsto help you make better choices.