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Carbon Footprint of Johannesburg
Gauteng, South Africa · Pop. 5.8 million · 2022 data
7.5tonnes CO₂eper capita
+12% vs South Africa avg (6.7t)43.4 Mt total
Based on 2022 data from City of Johannesburg Climate Action Plan / C40 Cities. Figures represent scope 1 and 2 emissions. Use our calculators for personal estimates.
Key Takeaway
South Africa's coal-dominated Eskom grid gives Johannesburg one of the highest electricity carbon intensities of any major city globally, making grid decarbonisation the top priority.
900
gCO₂/kWh grid
6%
Renewable electricity
2050
Target: −42%
5.8M
Population
Emission Breakdown by Sector
How Johannesburg's emissions are distributed across key sectors.
22%
30%
32%
10%
Transport22%
~9.5Mt CO₂e
Buildings30%
~13.0Mt CO₂e
Industry32%
~13.9Mt CO₂e
Waste10%
~4.3Mt CO₂e
Other6%
~2.6Mt CO₂e
Johannesburg vs South Africa National Average
Johannesburg
7.5t
per capita
South Africa avg
6.7t
per capita
Johannesburg's per-capita emissions exceed the South Africa national average by 12%. This is driven by industry (32% of emissions) and a grid intensity of 900 gCO2/kWh.
Electricity Grid Profile
Grid Carbon Intensity
900 gCO₂/kWh
High — significant fossil fuel dependence
Renewable Share
6%
Climate Target
Target Year
2050
Reduction Goal
42%
Johannesburg aims to cut emissions by 42% by 2050. Achieving this will require significant shifts in industry and continued growth in renewable energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the carbon footprint of Johannesburg?
Johannesburg emits approximately 7.5 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per person per year (2022 data). The city's total emissions are around 43.4 million tonnes annually, with a population of 5.8 million.
How does Johannesburg compare to the South Africa national average?
Johannesburg's per-capita emissions of 7.5t are 12% above the South Africa national average of 6.7t per capita. Key contributors include a heavy industrial base.
What are Johannesburg's biggest sources of emissions?
The largest emission source in Johannesburg is industry at 32% of total emissions, followed by other sectors. Transport accounts for 22%, buildings for 30%, and industry for 32%.
What are Johannesburg's climate targets?
Johannesburg has set a target to reduce emissions by 42% by 2050. The city's electricity grid currently has a carbon intensity of 900 gCO2/kWh, with 6% of electricity from renewable sources.
How clean is Johannesburg's electricity grid?
Johannesburg's grid is relatively carbon-intensive at 900 gCO2/kWh. Only 6% of electricity comes from renewable sources, indicating significant room for decarbonisation.
Data Sources
- City of Johannesburg 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.
