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Carbon Footprint of Shanghai
Shanghai, China · Pop. 24.9 million · 2022 data
9.1tonnes CO₂eper capita
+14% vs China avg (8t)226.3 Mt total
Based on 2022 data from Shanghai Ecology and Environment Bureau / C40 Cities. Figures represent scope 1 and 2 emissions. Use our calculators for personal estimates.
Key Takeaway
Shanghai's massive port and heavy industry make it the world's highest total-emission city, but its per-capita rate is only modestly above the national average.
580
gCO₂/kWh grid
14%
Renewable electricity
2060
Target: −100%
24.9M
Population
Emission Breakdown by Sector
How Shanghai's emissions are distributed across key sectors.
20%
30%
36%
Transport20%
~45.3Mt CO₂e
Buildings30%
~67.9Mt CO₂e
Industry36%
~81.5Mt CO₂e
Waste8%
~18.1Mt CO₂e
Other6%
~13.6Mt CO₂e
Shanghai vs China National Average
Shanghai
9.1t
per capita
China avg
8t
per capita
Shanghai's per-capita emissions exceed the China national average by 14%. This is driven by industry (36% of emissions) and a grid intensity of 580 gCO2/kWh.
Electricity Grid Profile
Grid Carbon Intensity
580 gCO₂/kWh
High — significant fossil fuel dependence
Renewable Share
14%
Climate Target
Target Year
2060
Reduction Goal
100%
Shanghai aims to cut emissions by 100% by 2060, one of the most ambitious targets among major cities worldwide. Achieving this will require significant shifts in industry and continued growth in renewable energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the carbon footprint of Shanghai?
Shanghai emits approximately 9.1 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per person per year (2022 data). The city's total emissions are around 226.3 million tonnes annually, with a population of 24.9 million.
How does Shanghai compare to the China national average?
Shanghai's per-capita emissions of 9.1t are 14% above the China national average of 8t per capita. Key contributors include a heavy industrial base.
What are Shanghai's biggest sources of emissions?
The largest emission source in Shanghai is industry at 36% of total emissions, followed by other sectors. Transport accounts for 20%, buildings for 30%, and industry for 36%.
What are Shanghai's climate targets?
Shanghai has set a target to reduce emissions by 100% by 2060. The city's electricity grid currently has a carbon intensity of 580 gCO2/kWh, with 14% of electricity from renewable sources.
How clean is Shanghai's electricity grid?
Shanghai's grid is relatively carbon-intensive at 580 gCO2/kWh. Only 14% of electricity comes from renewable sources, indicating significant room for decarbonisation.
Data Sources
- Shanghai Ecology and Environment Bureau / 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.
