Loading...
Carbon Footprint of Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil · Pop. 6.7 million · 2022 data
2.8tonnes CO₂eper capita
+27% vs Brazil avg (2.2t)18.9 Mt total
Based on 2022 data from SEEG / Rio de Janeiro Climate Action Plan. Figures represent scope 1 and 2 emissions. Use our calculators for personal estimates.
Key Takeaway
Rio's petroleum refining sector and sprawling urban transport network push its per-capita emissions above the Brazilian average despite a clean electricity grid.
75
gCO₂/kWh grid
83%
Renewable electricity
2050
Target: −50%
6.7M
Population
Emission Breakdown by Sector
How Rio de Janeiro's emissions are distributed across key sectors.
42%
20%
18%
14%
Transport42%
~7.9Mt CO₂e
Buildings20%
~3.8Mt CO₂e
Industry18%
~3.4Mt CO₂e
Waste14%
~2.6Mt CO₂e
Other6%
~1.1Mt CO₂e
Rio de Janeiro vs Brazil National Average
Rio de Janeiro
2.8t
per capita
Brazil avg
2.2t
per capita
Rio de Janeiro's per-capita emissions exceed the Brazil national average by 27%. This is driven by transport (42% of emissions) and a grid intensity of 75 gCO2/kWh.
Electricity Grid Profile
Grid Carbon Intensity
75 gCO₂/kWh
Very clean — among the lowest globally
Renewable Share
83%
Climate Target
Target Year
2050
Reduction Goal
50%
Rio de Janeiro aims to cut emissions by 50% by 2050. Achieving this will require significant shifts in transport and continued growth in renewable energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the carbon footprint of Rio de Janeiro?
Rio de Janeiro emits approximately 2.8 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per person per year (2022 data). The city's total emissions are around 18.9 million tonnes annually, with a population of 6.7 million.
How does Rio de Janeiro compare to the Brazil national average?
Rio de Janeiro's per-capita emissions of 2.8t are 27% above the Brazil national average of 2.2t per capita. Key contributors include high transport and building emissions.
What are Rio de Janeiro's biggest sources of emissions?
The largest emission source in Rio de Janeiro is transport at 42% of total emissions, followed by other sectors. Transport accounts for 42%, buildings for 20%, and industry for 18%.
What are Rio de Janeiro's climate targets?
Rio de Janeiro has set a target to reduce emissions by 50% by 2050. The city's electricity grid currently has a carbon intensity of 75 gCO2/kWh, with 83% of electricity from renewable sources.
How clean is Rio de Janeiro's electricity grid?
Rio de Janeiro has a very clean electricity grid at 75 gCO2/kWh, with 83% renewable energy. This is among the cleanest urban grids globally.
Data Sources
- SEEG / Rio de Janeiro Climate Action Plan (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.
