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Carbon Footprint of Los Angeles
California, United States · Pop. 3.9 million · 2022 data
9.2tonnes CO₂eper capita
-41% vs United States avg (15.5t)35.8 Mt total
Based on 2022 data from LA Department of City Planning. Figures represent scope 1 and 2 emissions. Use our calculators for personal estimates.
Key Takeaway
LA's car-centric sprawl drives nearly half its emissions from transportation, despite California's aggressive renewable energy policies.
210
gCO₂/kWh grid
44%
Renewable electricity
2035
Target: −50%
3.9M
Population
Emission Breakdown by Sector
How Los Angeles's emissions are distributed across key sectors.
47%
25%
16%
Transport47%
~16.8Mt CO₂e
Buildings25%
~8.9Mt CO₂e
Industry16%
~5.7Mt CO₂e
Waste7%
~2.5Mt CO₂e
Other5%
~1.8Mt CO₂e
Los Angeles vs United States National Average
Los Angeles
9.2t
per capita
United States avg
15.5t
per capita
Los Angeles's per-capita emissions are 41% below the United States national average of 15.5 tonnes. Key factors include urban density and public transit.
Electricity Grid Profile
Grid Carbon Intensity
210 gCO₂/kWh
Moderate — room for improvement
Renewable Share
44%
Climate Target
Target Year
2035
Reduction Goal
50%
Los Angeles aims to cut emissions by 50% by 2035. Achieving this will require significant shifts in transport and continued growth in renewable energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the carbon footprint of Los Angeles?
Los Angeles emits approximately 9.2 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per person per year (2022 data). The city's total emissions are around 35.8 million tonnes annually, with a population of 3.9 million.
How does Los Angeles compare to the United States national average?
Los Angeles's per-capita emissions of 9.2t are 41% below the United States national average of 15.5t per capita. This is partly due to despite high transport emissions.
What are Los Angeles's biggest sources of emissions?
The largest emission source in Los Angeles is transport at 47% of total emissions, followed by other sectors. Transport accounts for 47%, buildings for 25%, and industry for 16%.
What are Los Angeles's climate targets?
Los Angeles has set a target to reduce emissions by 50% by 2035. The city's electricity grid currently has a carbon intensity of 210 gCO2/kWh, with 44% of electricity from renewable sources.
How clean is Los Angeles's electricity grid?
Los Angeles's grid emits 210 gCO2/kWh with 44% renewable energy — moderate compared to global city averages.
Data Sources
- LA Department of City Planning (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.