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Carbon Footprint of Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires, Argentina · Pop. 3.1 million · 2022 data
4.1tonnes CO₂eper capita
-2% vs Argentina avg (4.2t)12.5 Mt total
Based on 2022 data from Buenos Aires City Government Climate Action Plan / C40 Cities. Figures represent scope 1 and 2 emissions. Use our calculators for personal estimates.
Key Takeaway
Buenos Aires relies heavily on natural gas for heating and electricity, and its ageing bus fleet contributes significantly to transport-sector emissions.
350
gCO₂/kWh grid
18%
Renewable electricity
2050
Target: −53%
3.1M
Population
Emission Breakdown by Sector
How Buenos Aires's emissions are distributed across key sectors.
30%
33%
20%
11%
Transport30%
~3.8Mt CO₂e
Buildings33%
~4.1Mt CO₂e
Industry20%
~2.5Mt CO₂e
Waste11%
~1.4Mt CO₂e
Other6%
~0.8Mt CO₂e
Buenos Aires vs Argentina National Average
Buenos Aires
4.1t
per capita
Argentina avg
4.2t
per capita
Buenos Aires's per-capita emissions are 2% below the Argentina national average of 4.2 tonnes. Key factors include urban density and public transit.
Electricity Grid Profile
Grid Carbon Intensity
350 gCO₂/kWh
High — significant fossil fuel dependence
Renewable Share
18%
Climate Target
Target Year
2050
Reduction Goal
53%
Buenos Aires aims to cut emissions by 53% by 2050. Achieving this will require significant shifts in buildings and continued growth in renewable energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the carbon footprint of Buenos Aires?
Buenos Aires emits approximately 4.1 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per person per year (2022 data). The city's total emissions are around 12.5 million tonnes annually, with a population of 3.1 million.
How does Buenos Aires compare to the Argentina national average?
Buenos Aires's per-capita emissions of 4.1t are 2% below the Argentina national average of 4.2t per capita. This is partly due to factors like public transit, density, and cleaner energy.
What are Buenos Aires's biggest sources of emissions?
The largest emission source in Buenos Aires is buildings at 33% of total emissions, followed by other sectors. Transport accounts for 30%, buildings for 33%, and industry for 20%.
What are Buenos Aires's climate targets?
Buenos Aires has set a target to reduce emissions by 53% by 2050. The city's electricity grid currently has a carbon intensity of 350 gCO2/kWh, with 18% of electricity from renewable sources.
How clean is Buenos Aires's electricity grid?
Buenos Aires's grid is relatively carbon-intensive at 350 gCO2/kWh. Only 18% of electricity comes from renewable sources, indicating significant room for decarbonisation.
Data Sources
- Buenos Aires City Government Climate Action Plan / 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.
