Loading...
Carbon Footprint of Kuala Lumpur
Federal Territory, Malaysia · Pop. 2.0 million · 2022 data
9.5tonnes CO₂eper capita
+17% vs Malaysia avg (8.1t)18.8 Mt total
Based on 2022 data from Kuala Lumpur Low Carbon Society Blueprint / C40 Cities. Figures represent scope 1 and 2 emissions. Use our calculators for personal estimates.
Key Takeaway
Malaysia's coal-and-gas grid and KL's high car ownership rate drive elevated emissions despite a tropical climate that eliminates heating demand.
530
gCO₂/kWh grid
10%
Renewable electricity
2050
Target: −45%
2.0M
Population
Emission Breakdown by Sector
How Kuala Lumpur's emissions are distributed across key sectors.
32%
35%
20%
Transport32%
~6.0Mt CO₂e
Buildings35%
~6.6Mt CO₂e
Industry20%
~3.8Mt CO₂e
Waste7%
~1.3Mt CO₂e
Other6%
~1.1Mt CO₂e
Kuala Lumpur vs Malaysia National Average
Kuala Lumpur
9.5t
per capita
Malaysia avg
8.1t
per capita
Kuala Lumpur's per-capita emissions exceed the Malaysia national average by 17%. This is driven by buildings (35% of emissions) and a grid intensity of 530 gCO2/kWh.
Electricity Grid Profile
Grid Carbon Intensity
530 gCO₂/kWh
High — significant fossil fuel dependence
Renewable Share
10%
Climate Target
Target Year
2050
Reduction Goal
45%
Kuala Lumpur aims to cut emissions by 45% by 2050. Achieving this will require significant shifts in buildings and continued growth in renewable energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the carbon footprint of Kuala Lumpur?
Kuala Lumpur emits approximately 9.5 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per person per year (2022 data). The city's total emissions are around 18.8 million tonnes annually, with a population of 2.0 million.
How does Kuala Lumpur compare to the Malaysia national average?
Kuala Lumpur's per-capita emissions of 9.5t are 17% above the Malaysia national average of 8.1t per capita. Key contributors include high transport and building emissions.
What are Kuala Lumpur's biggest sources of emissions?
The largest emission source in Kuala Lumpur is buildings at 35% of total emissions, followed by other sectors. Transport accounts for 32%, buildings for 35%, and industry for 20%.
What are Kuala Lumpur's climate targets?
Kuala Lumpur has set a target to reduce emissions by 45% by 2050. The city's electricity grid currently has a carbon intensity of 530 gCO2/kWh, with 10% of electricity from renewable sources.
How clean is Kuala Lumpur's electricity grid?
Kuala Lumpur's grid is relatively carbon-intensive at 530 gCO2/kWh. Only 10% of electricity comes from renewable sources, indicating significant room for decarbonisation.
Data Sources
- Kuala Lumpur Low Carbon Society Blueprint / 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.
