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Carbon Footprint of Delhi
National Capital Territory, India · Pop. 32.9 million · 2022 data
2.8tonnes CO₂eper capita
+47% vs India avg (1.9t)92.2 Mt total
Based on 2022 data from Centre for Science and Environment / C40 Cities. Figures represent scope 1 and 2 emissions. Use our calculators for personal estimates.
Key Takeaway
Delhi's transportation emissions are driven by rapid motorisation, and its coal-heavy grid makes electricity a major contributor.
750
gCO₂/kWh grid
8%
Renewable electricity
2070
Target: −45%
32.9M
Population
Emission Breakdown by Sector
How Delhi's emissions are distributed across key sectors.
32%
25%
25%
12%
Transport32%
~29.5Mt CO₂e
Buildings25%
~23.1Mt CO₂e
Industry25%
~23.1Mt CO₂e
Waste12%
~11.1Mt CO₂e
Other6%
~5.5Mt CO₂e
Delhi vs India National Average
Delhi
2.8t
per capita
India avg
1.9t
per capita
Delhi's per-capita emissions exceed the India national average by 47%. This is driven by transport (32% of emissions) and a grid intensity of 750 gCO2/kWh.
Electricity Grid Profile
Grid Carbon Intensity
750 gCO₂/kWh
High — significant fossil fuel dependence
Renewable Share
8%
Climate Target
Target Year
2070
Reduction Goal
45%
Delhi aims to cut emissions by 45% by 2070. Achieving this will require significant shifts in transport and continued growth in renewable energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the carbon footprint of Delhi?
Delhi emits approximately 2.8 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per person per year (2022 data). The city's total emissions are around 92.2 million tonnes annually, with a population of 32.9 million.
How does Delhi compare to the India national average?
Delhi's per-capita emissions of 2.8t are 47% above the India national average of 1.9t per capita. Key contributors include high transport and building emissions.
What are Delhi's biggest sources of emissions?
The largest emission source in Delhi is transport at 32% of total emissions, followed by other sectors. Transport accounts for 32%, buildings for 25%, and industry for 25%.
What are Delhi's climate targets?
Delhi has set a target to reduce emissions by 45% by 2070. The city's electricity grid currently has a carbon intensity of 750 gCO2/kWh, with 8% of electricity from renewable sources.
How clean is Delhi's electricity grid?
Delhi's grid is relatively carbon-intensive at 750 gCO2/kWh. Only 8% of electricity comes from renewable sources, indicating significant room for decarbonisation.
Data Sources
- Centre for Science and Environment / 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.
