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Carbon Footprint of Chennai
Tamil Nadu, India · Pop. 11.2 million · 2022 data
2.3tonnes CO₂eper capita
+21% vs India avg (1.9t)25.8 Mt total
Based on 2022 data from C40 Cities / Tamil Nadu Climate Action. Figures represent scope 1 and 2 emissions. Use our calculators for personal estimates.
Key Takeaway
Chennai's port and industrial belt contribute significantly to its emissions, while Tamil Nadu leads India in wind energy deployment.
700
gCO₂/kWh grid
20%
Renewable electricity
2070
Target: −45%
11.2M
Population
Emission Breakdown by Sector
How Chennai's emissions are distributed across key sectors.
25%
30%
28%
11%
Transport25%
~6.5Mt CO₂e
Buildings30%
~7.7Mt CO₂e
Industry28%
~7.2Mt CO₂e
Waste11%
~2.8Mt CO₂e
Other6%
~1.5Mt CO₂e
Chennai vs India National Average
Chennai
2.3t
per capita
India avg
1.9t
per capita
Chennai's per-capita emissions exceed the India national average by 21%. This is driven by buildings (30% of emissions) and a grid intensity of 700 gCO2/kWh.
Electricity Grid Profile
Grid Carbon Intensity
700 gCO₂/kWh
High — significant fossil fuel dependence
Renewable Share
20%
Climate Target
Target Year
2070
Reduction Goal
45%
Chennai aims to cut emissions by 45% by 2070. Achieving this will require significant shifts in buildings and continued growth in renewable energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the carbon footprint of Chennai?
Chennai emits approximately 2.3 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per person per year (2022 data). The city's total emissions are around 25.8 million tonnes annually, with a population of 11.2 million.
How does Chennai compare to the India national average?
Chennai's per-capita emissions of 2.3t are 21% above the India national average of 1.9t per capita. Key contributors include a heavy industrial base.
What are Chennai's biggest sources of emissions?
The largest emission source in Chennai is buildings at 30% of total emissions, followed by other sectors. Transport accounts for 25%, buildings for 30%, and industry for 28%.
What are Chennai's climate targets?
Chennai has set a target to reduce emissions by 45% by 2070. The city's electricity grid currently has a carbon intensity of 700 gCO2/kWh, with 20% of electricity from renewable sources.
How clean is Chennai's electricity grid?
Chennai's grid is relatively carbon-intensive at 700 gCO2/kWh. Only 20% of electricity comes from renewable sources, indicating significant room for decarbonisation.
Data Sources
- C40 Cities / Tamil Nadu Climate Action (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.
