How is the carbon footprint created?
Energy and Heating
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Electricity Generation: Burning fossil fuels like coal, natural gas, and oil to produce electricity releases large amounts of CO₂.
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Heating: Many households and businesses still rely on fossil fuels for heating, which adds to emissions.
Transportation and Mobility
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Cars and Trucks: The average car emits about 150–200 grams of CO₂ per kilometer. Daily commutes can add up to several tons of CO₂ per year.
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Air Travel: A round-trip flight between Europe and the U.S. can generate more than 2 tons of CO₂ per person.
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Public Transport and Bicycles: While buses and trains are more efficient, cycling and walking are virtually emission-free.
Industry and Manufacturing
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Production: Industrial processes often burn fossil fuels, releasing significant amounts of CO₂.
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Supply Chains: Transporting raw materials and finished goods over long distances greatly contributes to CO₂ emissions.
Agriculture and Food
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Livestock Farming: Especially cattle farming produces large quantities of methane—a greenhouse gas about 25 times more potent than CO₂.
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Imported Foods: Fruits and vegetables transported over long distances increase the carbon footprint due to transportation emissions.
Consumption and Lifestyle
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lectronics and Consumer Goods: The production, packaging, and disposal of consumer goods cause indirect CO₂ emissions.
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Waste Management: Non-recycled plastics and other waste contribute to emissions through landfilling and incineration.
Carbon Footprint – The Invisible Climate Killer
Our personal and corporate carbon footprint is more than just a number—it’s a measure of the harm we cause to our planet. This page provides a detailed look at how carbon footprints are created, the alarming statistics behind them, and how both individuals and businesses contribute to climate change.
At the same time, you’ll learn how to actively reduce emissions and help drive sustainable change.
What Is the Carbon Footprint?
The carbon footprint measures the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere—directly or indirectly—as a result of human activities, expressed in tons of CO₂ equivalent.
It covers all areas of our lives, from energy production and transportation to manufacturing and consumption.
Facts, Figures, and Data on the Carbon Footprint
Imagine that every ton of CO₂ emitted—no matter how invisible it may seem—contributes to the gradual rise in global average temperatures and threatens the fragile balance of our planet. The numbers are alarming: in industrialized countries, each person emits an average of 10 to 12 tons of CO₂ per year, with some nations reaching over 20 tons per capita.
These emissions are not just abstract statistics—they mean melting polar ice, rising sea levels, and devastating extreme weather events that are destroying ecosystems and livelihoods around the world.
Every number, every percentage reflects the pressure we are placing on nature. These facts are not just meant to inform you—they are meant to wake you up:
Our current actions are paving the way toward a future where climate change becomes unstoppable and its consequences catastrophic for both people and the planet.
Now is the time to act—because every step toward reducing emissions is a step that can save lives.
Global Emissions
Worldwide Fossil Fuel Production
Since the 1950s, more than 8 billion tons of plastic and vast amounts of fossil fuels have been burned. In 2018, global energy-related CO₂ emissions rose to approximately 37.9 billion tons. The G20 countries are responsible for over 83% of these emissions—with China, the United States, and India being the largest contributors.
Growth and Trends
Global emissions have been steadily increasing over the past 70 years, with annual growth accelerating due to the rapid expansion of transportation, industry, and consumption. Current forecasts suggest that without drastic measures, CO₂ emissions will continue to rise—potentially leading to a global temperature increase of more than 2 degrees Celsius.
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Emissions per Capita
Individual Levels
In industrialized countries, annual CO₂ emissions per person often range between 10 and 12 tons. For example, the per capita emission in Germany is around 7 to 8 tons, while in the United States it often exceeds 14 tons.
International Differences
In countries like Qatar or the United Arab Emirates, per capita emissions can reach over 20 to 40 tons, whereas in developing countries—such as parts of Africa or Asia—they often remain below 1 ton per person.
These disparities highlight the unequal use of resources and the vastly different living standards across the globe.
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Sectoral Breakdown
Energy Production
Around 38% of global CO₂ emissions come from energy production—mainly the burning of fossil fuels in power plants. In Germany, for example, the reduction in coal-fired power combined with the expansion of renewable energy has led to a significant decrease in emissions.
Transportation
Road traffic accounts for about 21% of CO₂ emissions. The average passenger car emits between 150 and 200 grams of CO₂ per kilometer. Annual commuting alone can add up to several tons of CO₂ per person.
Industry
Industrial processes—such as those in the steel, cement, and chemical sectors—account for approximately 16–17% of emissions. In addition to energy consumption, process-related emissions also play a role, such as those resulting from the use of coke or lime in production.
Buildings and Households
The building sector, including heating and electricity use in private households, contributes around 8–9% of total emissions. Measures such as switching to green electricity and energy-efficient renovations have already led to significant reductions.
Agriculture
While direct CO₂ emissions from activities like machinery use are lower, livestock farming—especially cattle—contributes significantly to global warming through methane emissions. Methane is a greenhouse gas 25 to 30 times more harmful to the climate than CO₂.
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Company-Related Data
Scope 1 and 2 Emissions
Large companies track both their directly generated emissions (Scope 1) and those resulting from purchased energy (Scope 2). For example, major DAX-listed corporations in Germany have reduced their direct emissions by up to 14% in recent years—mainly through the switch to renewable electricity and improved energy efficiency measures.
Scope 3 Emissions
These are indirect emissions that occur across the entire supply chain and during product use—and they can multiply a company’s carbon footprint. Estimates suggest that the Scope 3 emissions of the 40 largest DAX companies in Germany amount to approximately 3.5 billion tons of CO₂ equivalent—roughly 9% of global emissions.
Reduction Potential and Solutions
For Individuals
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Mobility: Switch to biking, public transportation, or car sharing instead of using a personal car.
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Diet: Buy regional and seasonal foods, and reduce meat consumption (e.g., beef has a very high carbon footprint—around 13 kg of CO₂ per kilogram).
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Energy: Switch to green electricity, improve insulation, and use energy-efficient appliances.
For Companies
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Technological Innovation: Invest in energy-efficient production processes and the use of renewable energy sources.
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Supply Chain Optimization: Localize production and distribution to reduce transportation emissions.
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Comprehensive Decarbonization: Implement strategies to reduce Scope 3 emissions, such as supplier collaboration and recycling initiatives.
Impact of the Carbon Footprint
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Climate Change: Increased CO₂ emissions lead to global warming, resulting in extreme weather events, glacier melt, and rising sea levels.
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Ecosystems: Shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns disrupt habitats and threaten biodiversity.
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Habitats: Climate change alters ecosystems—many species cannot adapt quickly enough, leading to extinction.
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Food Chain: Ocean warming and acidification disrupt marine food webs, endangering the survival of many species.
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Health: Air pollution and heatwaves have direct impacts on human health—from respiratory diseases to cardiovascular problems.
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Economic Consequences: Extreme weather events cause massive infrastructure damage, leading to high costs for rebuilding and adaptation.
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Drinking Water: Polluted water sources can compromise access to clean drinking water, posing serious health risks.
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How can we reduce the carbon footprint?
For Individuals
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Transportation: Use a bicycle, public transportation, or car sharing instead of your own car.
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Diet: Choose regional and seasonal products, reduce meat consumption, and opt for a plant-based diet.
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Energy: Switch to green electricity, insulate your home well, and use energy-efficient appliances.
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Consumption: Buy durable products, recycle, and avoid single-use items.
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Digital Transformation: Reduce business travel and use video conferencing instead.
For Businesses
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Renewable Energy: Invest in solar panels, wind energy, and other sustainable power sources.
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Efficiency Improvements: Optimize production processes and implement energy-efficient technologies.
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Sustainable Supply Chains: Shorten transport routes, work with local suppliers, and support recycling initiatives.
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Carbon Offsetting: Invest in carbon offset projects such as reforestation or renewable energy programs.
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Employee Support: Encourage remote work, utilize virtual meetings, and promote sustainable commuting options.
Conclusion
Your carbon footprint reflects the extent to which your actions impact the climate—and it shows how much responsibility we all share in reducing emissions. Whether as an individual or a business: every step matters.
With conscious choices, innovative technologies, and a sustainable lifestyle, we can collectively pave the way toward a climate-friendly future.
Use these insights to reduce your own carbon footprint—and inspire others to drive sustainable change. Because only together can we stop climate change and ensure a livable future for generations to come.
The time to act is now—each of us can and must do our part to protect the planet.
Calculate your personal carbon footprint
Find out how your daily consumption impacts our climate! Our interactive carbon calculator helps you measure emissions from activities like driving, flying, and food choices.
Compare conventional habits with sustainable alternatives and discover how small changes in your everyday life can make a big difference.
Every click counts—get started now and take the first step toward a climate-friendly future!
