One U.S. State Boasts 33% Fewer Carbon Emissions Per Capita Than Any Other

California, the largest state by population in the United States, is responsible for 33% fewer carbon emissions per capita than any other state, according to a new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

2 minute read

August 3, 2020, 10:00 AM PDT

By Lee Flannery @leecflannery


United States map

Marcio Jose Bastos Silva / Shutterstock

The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal published "The carbon footprint of household energy use in the United States," a peer-reviewed study of about 93 million homes which shows that 20% of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States can be attributed to residential energy use. The study also found California households to be a step ahead of those in other states in limiting its carbon footprint, producing 33% fewer carbon emissions, reports Evan Webeck. "San Francisco’s household emissions were nearly three times lower than the national average — 1.03 tons of carbon dioxide per capita vs. 2.83 for the U.S. — and lower than any other major city included in the research paper. In Los Angeles, the average household contributed 2.28 tons of carbon dioxide for the year, compared to 3.64 in Oklahoma City, 3.11 in Denver and 2.69 in Boston," writes Webeck. The study was conducted to assess which states and communities needed to make the most dramatic change to meet goals set by the Paris Climate Agreement for the years 2025 and 2050. 

A few key indicators accurately predicted which states have the most significant carbon footprints. The vast majority of the lowest carbon-emitting states were in the west while all of the greatest carbon carbon-emitting states were in the south and central United States. Another key indicator: income. Households in U.S. zip codes with the highest incomes "contributed 25% more carbon dioxide than households in low-income neighborhoods," Webeck says. Webeck adds that density, usually associated with decreased carbon dioxide emissions was not correlated with decreased carbon emissions to the same extent as income correlation. 

Tuesday, July 21, 2020 in The Mercury News

Sweeping view of Portland, Oregon with Mt. Hood in background against sunset sky.

Oregon Passes Exemption to Urban Growth Boundary

Cities have a one-time chance to acquire new land for development in a bid to increase housing supply and affordability.

March 12, 2024 - Housing Wire

Aerial view of green roofs with plants in Sydney, Australia.

Where Urban Design Is Headed in 2024

A forecast of likely trends in urban design and architecture.

March 10, 2024 - Daily Journal of Commerce

Cobblestone street with streetcar line, row of vintage streetlights on left, and colorful restaurant and shop awnings on right on River Street in Savannah, Georgia.

Savannah: A City of Planning Contrasts

From a human-scales, plaza-anchored grid to suburban sprawl, the oldest planned city in the United States has seen wildly different development patterns.

March 12, 2024 - Strong Towns

Aerial View of Chuckanut Drive and the Blanchard Bridge in the Skagit Valley.

Washington Tribes Receive Resilience Funding

The 28 grants support projects including relocation efforts as coastal communities face the growing impacts of climate change.

March 18 - The Seattle Times

Historic buildings in downtown Los Angeles with large "Pan American Lofts" sign on side of building.

Adaptive Reuse Bills Introduced in California Assembly

The legislation would expand eligibility for economic incentives and let cities loosen regulations to allow for more building conversions.

March 18 - Beverly Press

View from above of swan-shaped paddleboats with lights on around artesian fountain in Echo Park Lake with downtown Los Angeles skylien in background at twilight.

LA's Top Parks, Ranked

TimeOut just released its list of the top 26 parks in the L.A. area, which is home to some of the best green spaces around.

March 18 - TimeOut

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.