What Exactly Is 1 Tonne of CO2?
Insights
Contents
- 1 tonne of CO2 is equivalent to
- Visually, 1 tonne of CO2 resembles
- Capturing 1 tonne of CO2 requires
- To reduce (offset) 1 tonne of CO2 emissions
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Understanding your organisation’s carbon footprint is crucial for effective emissions reduction. This article aims to clarify the concept of 1 tonne of CO2 and provide tangible comparisons.
The emission of carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas, contributes to global warming. The escalating impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events, necessitate urgent action to reduce emissions. To foster awareness and inspire action, we aim to visualise the concept of CO2.
1 tonne of CO2 is equivalent to:
- The electricity consumption of 0.65 average households for a year.
- Driving a gasoline car for 5,000 miles.
- Taking 72 high-speed train trips of 300 miles each.
- 2.6 round-trip flights between New York and Miami.
Visually, 1 tonne of CO2 resembles:
- 500 CO2 fire extinguishers
- A 500 m³ hot air balloon
- 125 m³ of cola
Capturing 1 tonne of CO2 requires:
- 50 trees growing for one year
To reduce (offset) 1 tonne of CO2 emissions:
- Using one cookstove for six months (average reduction of 2 tonnes per year).
While CO2 is often the focus, other greenhouse gases such as methane and nitrous oxide also contribute to climate change. These gases are more potent than CO2. When calculating carbon footprints, these gases are converted into CO2 equivalents for comparison purposes.
It’s essential to note that the amount of CO2 captured by trees varies based on factors like location, tree species, and weather conditions. The provided estimate is an approximation.
Would you like to learn more? Contact our climate experts.
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