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Carbon Footprint of Houston
Texas, United States · Pop. 2.3 million · 2022 data
16.8tonnes CO₂eper capita
+8% vs United States avg (15.5t)38.7 Mt total
Based on 2022 data from City of Houston Climate Action Plan. Figures represent scope 1 and 2 emissions. Use our calculators for personal estimates.
Key Takeaway
Houston's petrochemical industry and high AC usage push its per-capita emissions above the national average.
420
gCO₂/kWh grid
22%
Renewable electricity
2050
Target: −40%
2.3M
Population
Emission Breakdown by Sector
How Houston's emissions are distributed across key sectors.
35%
20%
32%
Transport35%
~13.5Mt CO₂e
Buildings20%
~7.7Mt CO₂e
Industry32%
~12.4Mt CO₂e
Waste8%
~3.1Mt CO₂e
Other5%
~1.9Mt CO₂e
Houston vs United States National Average
Houston
16.8t
per capita
United States avg
15.5t
per capita
Houston's per-capita emissions exceed the United States national average by 8%. This is driven by transport (35% of emissions) and a grid intensity of 420 gCO2/kWh.
Electricity Grid Profile
Grid Carbon Intensity
420 gCO₂/kWh
High — significant fossil fuel dependence
Renewable Share
22%
Climate Target
Target Year
2050
Reduction Goal
40%
Houston aims to cut emissions by 40% by 2050. Achieving this will require significant shifts in transport and continued growth in renewable energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the carbon footprint of Houston?
Houston emits approximately 16.8 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per person per year (2022 data). The city's total emissions are around 38.7 million tonnes annually, with a population of 2.3 million.
How does Houston compare to the United States national average?
Houston's per-capita emissions of 16.8t are 8% above the United States national average of 15.5t per capita. Key contributors include a heavy industrial base.
What are Houston's biggest sources of emissions?
The largest emission source in Houston is transport at 35% of total emissions, followed by other sectors. Transport accounts for 35%, buildings for 20%, and industry for 32%.
What are Houston's climate targets?
Houston has set a target to reduce emissions by 40% by 2050. The city's electricity grid currently has a carbon intensity of 420 gCO2/kWh, with 22% of electricity from renewable sources.
How clean is Houston's electricity grid?
Houston's grid is relatively carbon-intensive at 420 gCO2/kWh. Only 22% of electricity comes from renewable sources, indicating significant room for decarbonisation.
Data Sources
- City of Houston Climate Action Plan (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.