Guangzhou has the second highest carbon footprint of cities worldwide, according to a new study by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. With a population of approximately 14 million, Guangzhou emits an estimated 272.0 (±46.2) metric tons of carbon dioxide a year.
Seoul, which has a population of 21 million, tops the list with an annual output of 276.1 (±51.8) metric tons of the heat-trapping greenhouse gas. And New York City, with 13.6 million people, is number three with a yearly emission of 233.5 (±75.4) metric tons.
Researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology have surveyed the carbon footprints of 13,000 cities worldwide and built an interactive map based on the data. This is the first time anyone has drawn a complete map of carbon footprint reductions from metropolitan areas on a global scale.
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The study finds that 100 cities are responsible for 18 percent of the world’s carbon emissions. To no one's surprise, higher incomes as well as populations are positively correlated with carbon emissions.
Daniel Moran, lead author of the study, said he was surprised at the geographic concentration of carbon emissions: "The top 100 highest-footprint cities worldwide drive roughly 20 percent of the global carbon footprint."
Moran also noted that it could be a positive sign: "This means concerted action by a small number of local mayors and governments can significantly reduce national total carbon footprints."
If you are interested in learning more about the research findings, including the interactive map and data tables, click here.
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[Cover image via xiquinhosilva/Flickr]
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