Carbon footprint by country
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Carbon Footprint by Country: A Global Analysis
Introduction to Carbon Footprint and Its Importance
The carbon footprint of a country refers to the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions caused by its activities, including both domestic consumption and international trade. Understanding the carbon footprint is crucial for developing effective climate policies and achieving global climate targets.
Carbon Footprint in the European Union
Regional Variations in the EU
A comprehensive study on the carbon footprint of EU regions highlights significant spatial heterogeneity in GHG emissions across 177 regions in 27 EU countries. The per capita emissions range from 0.6 to 6.5 tCO2e, indicating notable differences in climate change responsibility within multiregional countries1. Factors such as income, household size, urban-rural typology, and carbon intensity of the electricity mix are identified as key drivers of regional carbon footprints1.
Household Carbon Footprints in Europe
An analysis of household-level consumption data in 26 EU countries reveals that the top 10% of households with the highest carbon footprints account for 27% of the EU's total carbon footprint. Air and land transport are the most significant contributors among the top 1% of households, with air transport being the most elastic and carbon-intensive consumption category6. Only 5% of EU households live within the per capita climate targets of 2.5 tCO2e6.
Sectoral Contributions in the EU28
A study examining CO2 emissions in the EU28 from 2000 to 2017 identifies the energy sector as the most significant contributor to emissions. The study also notes a decrease in emissions across all monitored sectors, with waste management showing the most substantial reduction7. This indicates a trend towards convergence in carbon footprint values among EU countries7.
Global Carbon Footprint Analysis
National and Regional Disparities
A global analysis of carbon footprints across 73 nations and 14 world regions shows that national average per capita footprints vary significantly, from 1 tCO2e in African countries to approximately 30 tCO2e in Luxembourg and the United States2. Household consumption accounts for 72% of global GHG emissions, with food, shelter, and mobility being the primary contributors2.
Impact of Economic Activities
Economic activities such as industrialization, urbanization, and infrastructure development have a direct impact on carbon footprints. Wealthier countries tend to have higher carbon footprints due to their more extensive economic activities10. For instance, India's carbon footprint is significantly high in developed and urbanized states, while lower in underdeveloped regions10.
Kyoto Protocol and Carbon Footprints
The Kyoto Protocol aimed to reduce domestic emissions in committed countries. However, while it succeeded in reducing domestic emissions by about 7%, it did not lower overall carbon footprints. Instead, it increased the share of imported emissions, highlighting the challenges of unilateral climate policies8.
Conclusion
The carbon footprint varies widely across and within countries, influenced by factors such as income, economic activities, and regional characteristics. Effective climate policies must consider these disparities to achieve equitable and sustainable outcomes. Understanding the distribution and drivers of carbon footprints is essential for designing targeted interventions that address both global and local climate challenges.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Mapping the carbon footprint of EU regions
Income is the most significant driver for a region's carbon footprint, followed by household size, urban-rural type, education, expenditure patterns, temperature, resource availability, and electricity mix.
Highly CitedCarbon footprint of nations: a global, trade-linked analysis.
Household consumption contributes 72% of greenhouse gas emissions, with food, services, and mobility being key contributors, and policy priorities varying by development status and country-level characteristics.
Observational StudyHighly CitedMapping the Carbon Footprint of Nations.
The carbon footprint of developed countries has diluted and spread, while China and India's footprints show no spatial expansion due to urbanization and increased domestic pollution.
Highly CitedAnalysing the ecological footprint in EU-5 countries under a scenario of carbon neutrality: Evidence from newly developed sharp and smooth structural breaks in unit root testing.
The ecological footprint in EU-5 countries tends to return to the average, except for built-up land in Spain and grazing land and forest in the UK, providing valuable information for policymakers aiming for carbon neutrality.
Observational StudyConvergence in CO2emissions, carbon footprint and ecological footprint: evidence from OECD countries
Convergence exists in 12 OECD countries for CO2 emissions per capita, 15 for carbon footprint per capita, and 13 for ecological footprint per capita, with sigma-convergence for all three indicators.
Observational StudyHighly CitedThe unequal distribution of household carbon footprints in Europe and its link to sustainability
The top 1% of EU households emit 22 times the per capita climate targets, with air and land transport being the most significant contributors, and only 5% live within the targets.
Highly CitedDevelopment and Structural Changes of Carbon Footprint in EU28
The EU28's carbon footprint has decreased overall from 2000 to 2017, with waste management being the most significant contributor to emissions reductions.
Kyoto and the carbon footprint of nations
The Kyoto Protocol has reduced domestic emissions in committed countries by 7% but has not lowered carbon footprints, and has had at best no effect on world-wide emissions.
Highly CitedGlobal research on carbon footprint: A scientometric review
Carbon footprint research has evolved from ecology and botany to international trade and household behaviors, with water vapour being the longest-lasting topic and a trend towards diversification and interdisciplinary development.
Systematic ReviewHighly Cited