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Carbon Footprint of Beijing
Beijing, China · Pop. 21.5 million · 2022 data
8.2tonnes CO₂eper capita
+2% vs China avg (8t)176.6 Mt total
Based on 2022 data from Beijing Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau / C40 Cities. Figures represent scope 1 and 2 emissions. Use our calculators for personal estimates.
Key Takeaway
Beijing has aggressively retired coal power plants within city limits and shifted to natural gas heating, but industrial emissions in the surrounding region remain high.
600
gCO₂/kWh grid
15%
Renewable electricity
2060
Target: −100%
21.5M
Population
Emission Breakdown by Sector
How Beijing's emissions are distributed across key sectors.
23%
35%
28%
Transport23%
~40.6Mt CO₂e
Buildings35%
~61.8Mt CO₂e
Industry28%
~49.4Mt CO₂e
Waste8%
~14.1Mt CO₂e
Other6%
~10.6Mt CO₂e
Beijing vs China National Average
Beijing
8.2t
per capita
China avg
8t
per capita
Beijing's per-capita emissions exceed the China national average by 2%. This is driven by buildings (35% of emissions) and a grid intensity of 600 gCO2/kWh.
Electricity Grid Profile
Grid Carbon Intensity
600 gCO₂/kWh
High — significant fossil fuel dependence
Renewable Share
15%
Climate Target
Target Year
2060
Reduction Goal
100%
Beijing aims to cut emissions by 100% by 2060, one of the most ambitious targets among major cities worldwide. Achieving this will require significant shifts in buildings and continued growth in renewable energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the carbon footprint of Beijing?
Beijing emits approximately 8.2 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per person per year (2022 data). The city's total emissions are around 176.6 million tonnes annually, with a population of 21.5 million.
How does Beijing compare to the China national average?
Beijing's per-capita emissions of 8.2t are 2% above the China national average of 8t per capita. Key contributors include a heavy industrial base.
What are Beijing's biggest sources of emissions?
The largest emission source in Beijing is buildings at 35% of total emissions, followed by other sectors. Transport accounts for 23%, buildings for 35%, and industry for 28%.
What are Beijing's climate targets?
Beijing has set a target to reduce emissions by 100% by 2060. The city's electricity grid currently has a carbon intensity of 600 gCO2/kWh, with 15% of electricity from renewable sources.
How clean is Beijing's electricity grid?
Beijing's grid is relatively carbon-intensive at 600 gCO2/kWh. Only 15% of electricity comes from renewable sources, indicating significant room for decarbonisation.
Data Sources
- Beijing Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau / C40 Cities (2022)
- C40 Cities Climate Data
- Our World in Data — CO₂ Emissions
Per-capita values depend on city boundary definitions and emission scoping methodology. Figures represent scope 1 and 2 emissions unless otherwise stated.
