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Carbon Footprint of Istanbul
Istanbul, Turkey · Pop. 15.8 million · 2022 data
5.5tonnes CO₂eper capita
+4% vs Turkey avg (5.3t)87.1 Mt total
Based on 2022 data from Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality / C40 Cities. Figures represent scope 1 and 2 emissions. Use our calculators for personal estimates.
Key Takeaway
Istanbul straddles two continents and its rapid expansion has driven up building heating demand, while Turkey's growing coal capacity increases grid emissions.
440
gCO₂/kWh grid
35%
Renewable electricity
2053
Target: −100%
15.8M
Population
Emission Breakdown by Sector
How Istanbul's emissions are distributed across key sectors.
24%
38%
24%
Transport24%
~20.9Mt CO₂e
Buildings38%
~33.1Mt CO₂e
Industry24%
~20.9Mt CO₂e
Waste8%
~7.0Mt CO₂e
Other6%
~5.2Mt CO₂e
Istanbul vs Turkey National Average
Istanbul
5.5t
per capita
Turkey avg
5.3t
per capita
Istanbul's per-capita emissions exceed the Turkey national average by 4%. This is driven by buildings (38% of emissions) and a grid intensity of 440 gCO2/kWh.
Electricity Grid Profile
Grid Carbon Intensity
440 gCO₂/kWh
High — significant fossil fuel dependence
Renewable Share
35%
Climate Target
Target Year
2053
Reduction Goal
100%
Istanbul aims to cut emissions by 100% by 2053, 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 Istanbul?
Istanbul emits approximately 5.5 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per person per year (2022 data). The city's total emissions are around 87.1 million tonnes annually, with a population of 15.8 million.
How does Istanbul compare to the Turkey national average?
Istanbul's per-capita emissions of 5.5t are 4% above the Turkey national average of 5.3t per capita. Key contributors include high transport and building emissions.
What are Istanbul's biggest sources of emissions?
The largest emission source in Istanbul is buildings at 38% of total emissions, followed by other sectors. Transport accounts for 24%, buildings for 38%, and industry for 24%.
What are Istanbul's climate targets?
Istanbul has set a target to reduce emissions by 100% by 2053. The city's electricity grid currently has a carbon intensity of 440 gCO2/kWh, with 35% of electricity from renewable sources.
How clean is Istanbul's electricity grid?
Istanbul's grid is relatively carbon-intensive at 440 gCO2/kWh. Only 35% of electricity comes from renewable sources, indicating significant room for decarbonisation.
Data Sources
- Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality / 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.
