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Carbon Footprint of New York City
New York, United States · Pop. 8.3 million · 2022 data
6.1tonnes CO₂eper capita
-61% vs United States avg (15.5t)50.9 Mt total
Based on 2022 data from NYC Mayor's Office of Climate & Environmental Justice. Figures represent scope 1 and 2 emissions. Use our calculators for personal estimates.
Key Takeaway
NYC's density and public transit use give it a lower per-capita footprint than most US cities despite being the largest.
240
gCO₂/kWh grid
28%
Renewable electricity
2050
Target: −80%
8.3M
Population
Emission Breakdown by Sector
How New York City's emissions are distributed across key sectors.
30%
42%
15%
Transport30%
~15.3Mt CO₂e
Buildings42%
~21.4Mt CO₂e
Industry15%
~7.6Mt CO₂e
Waste8%
~4.1Mt CO₂e
Other5%
~2.5Mt CO₂e
New York City vs United States National Average
New York City
6.1t
per capita
United States avg
15.5t
per capita
New York City's per-capita emissions are 61% below the United States national average of 15.5 tonnes. Key factors include urban density and public transit.
Electricity Grid Profile
Grid Carbon Intensity
240 gCO₂/kWh
Moderate — room for improvement
Renewable Share
28%
Climate Target
Target Year
2050
Reduction Goal
80%
New York City aims to cut emissions by 80% by 2050, 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 New York City?
New York City emits approximately 6.1 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per person per year (2022 data). The city's total emissions are around 50.9 million tonnes annually, with a population of 8.3 million.
How does New York City compare to the United States national average?
New York City's per-capita emissions of 6.1t are 61% below the United States national average of 15.5t per capita. This is partly due to factors like public transit, density, and cleaner energy.
What are New York City's biggest sources of emissions?
The largest emission source in New York City is buildings at 42% of total emissions, followed by other sectors. Transport accounts for 30%, buildings for 42%, and industry for 15%.
What are New York City's climate targets?
New York City has set a target to reduce emissions by 80% by 2050. The city's electricity grid currently has a carbon intensity of 240 gCO2/kWh, with 28% of electricity from renewable sources.
How clean is New York City's electricity grid?
New York City's grid emits 240 gCO2/kWh with 28% renewable energy — moderate compared to global city averages.
Data Sources
- NYC Mayor's Office of Climate & Environmental Justice (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.