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Carbon Footprint of São Paulo
São Paulo, Brazil · Pop. 12.3 million · 2022 data
2.5tonnes CO₂eper capita
+14% vs Brazil avg (2.2t)30.8 Mt total
Based on 2022 data from SEEG / São Paulo Municipal Climate Plan. Figures represent scope 1 and 2 emissions. Use our calculators for personal estimates.
Key Takeaway
Brazil's hydro-dominated grid gives São Paulo very clean electricity, making road transport and waste management the dominant emission sources.
75
gCO₂/kWh grid
83%
Renewable electricity
2050
Target: −50%
12.3M
Population
Emission Breakdown by Sector
How São Paulo's emissions are distributed across key sectors.
46%
18%
16%
14%
Transport46%
~14.2Mt CO₂e
Buildings18%
~5.5Mt CO₂e
Industry16%
~4.9Mt CO₂e
Waste14%
~4.3Mt CO₂e
Other6%
~1.8Mt CO₂e
São Paulo vs Brazil National Average
São Paulo
2.5t
per capita
Brazil avg
2.2t
per capita
São Paulo's per-capita emissions exceed the Brazil national average by 14%. This is driven by transport (46% 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%
São Paulo 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 São Paulo?
São Paulo emits approximately 2.5 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per person per year (2022 data). The city's total emissions are around 30.8 million tonnes annually, with a population of 12.3 million.
How does São Paulo compare to the Brazil national average?
São Paulo's per-capita emissions of 2.5t are 14% above the Brazil national average of 2.2t per capita. Key contributors include high transport and building emissions.
What are São Paulo's biggest sources of emissions?
The largest emission source in São Paulo is transport at 46% of total emissions, followed by other sectors. Transport accounts for 46%, buildings for 18%, and industry for 16%.
What are São Paulo's climate targets?
São Paulo 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 São Paulo's electricity grid?
São Paulo 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 / São Paulo Municipal Climate 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.
