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Carbon Footprint of Toronto
Ontario, Canada · Pop. 2.8 million · 2022 data
8.2tonnes CO₂eper capita
-42% vs Canada avg (14.2t)22.9 Mt total
Based on 2022 data from City of Toronto TransformTO. Figures represent scope 1 and 2 emissions. Use our calculators for personal estimates.
Key Takeaway
Ontario's nuclear and hydro grid gives Toronto extremely clean electricity, but natural gas heating and car dependence keep overall emissions high.
25
gCO₂/kWh grid
94%
Renewable electricity
2040
Target: −65%
2.8M
Population
Emission Breakdown by Sector
How Toronto's emissions are distributed across key sectors.
35%
38%
14%
Transport35%
~8.0Mt CO₂e
Buildings38%
~8.7Mt CO₂e
Industry14%
~3.2Mt CO₂e
Waste8%
~1.8Mt CO₂e
Other5%
~1.1Mt CO₂e
Toronto vs Canada National Average
Toronto
8.2t
per capita
Canada avg
14.2t
per capita
Toronto's per-capita emissions are 42% below the Canada national average of 14.2 tonnes. Key factors include a clean electricity grid.
Electricity Grid Profile
Grid Carbon Intensity
25 gCO₂/kWh
Very clean — among the lowest globally
Renewable Share
94%
Climate Target
Target Year
2040
Reduction Goal
65%
Toronto aims to cut emissions by 65% by 2040. Achieving this will require significant shifts in buildings and continued growth in renewable energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the carbon footprint of Toronto?
Toronto emits approximately 8.2 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per person per year (2022 data). The city's total emissions are around 22.9 million tonnes annually, with a population of 2.8 million.
How does Toronto compare to the Canada national average?
Toronto's per-capita emissions of 8.2t are 42% below the Canada national average of 14.2t per capita. This is partly due to factors like public transit, density, and cleaner energy.
What are Toronto's biggest sources of emissions?
The largest emission source in Toronto is buildings at 38% of total emissions, followed by other sectors. Transport accounts for 35%, buildings for 38%, and industry for 14%.
What are Toronto's climate targets?
Toronto has set a target to reduce emissions by 65% by 2040. The city's electricity grid currently has a carbon intensity of 25 gCO2/kWh, with 94% of electricity from renewable sources.
How clean is Toronto's electricity grid?
Toronto has a very clean electricity grid at 25 gCO2/kWh, with 94% renewable energy. This is among the cleanest urban grids globally.
Data Sources
- City of Toronto TransformTO (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.
