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

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Bird's eye view of manufactured home park.

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing

Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

March 25, 2025 - Shelterforce

U-Haul truck on road with blurred grassy roadside in background.

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?

Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

March 27, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

Aerial view of schoolyard in Oakland, California with newly planted trees, sports courts, and playground equipment.

Greening Oakland’s School Grounds

With help from community partners like the Trust for Public Land, Oakland Unified School District is turning barren, asphalt-covered schoolyards into vibrant, green spaces that support outdoor learning, play, and student well-being.

April 2 - FacilitiesNet

Power lines at golden hour with downtown Los Angeles in far background.

California Governor Suspends CEQA Reviews for Utilities in Fire Areas

Utility restoration efforts in areas affected by the January wildfires in Los Angeles will be exempt from environmental regulations to speed up the rebuilding of essential infrastructure.

April 2 - Los Angeles Times

Green roadside sign with white text reading "Entering Nez Perce Indian Reservation" against grassy field and blue sky.

Native American Communities Prepare to Lead on Environmental Stewardship

In the face of federal threats to public lands and conservation efforts, indigenous groups continue to model nature-centered conservation efforts.

April 2 - The Conversation