Climate change and CO2
Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and green house gas equivalents, such as methane, are calculated by measuring the quantity of CO2 produced from the burning of fuel. The amount of CO2 produced depends on the type of molecules included in the fuel, their concentrations and the conditions in which they are burnt.
One tonne of CO2 weighs as much as 10 baby elephants and would fill a swimming pool 10m wide, 25m long and 2m deep!
What produces one tonne of CO2?
One tonne of CO2 will be produced from different distances travelled using different vehicles and fuels. For example, from data on the distance travelled and type of fuel and vehicle, we can calculate our carbon footprint for a journey.
- Travelling in your car for 3001 miles produces 1 tonne of CO2
- Travelling by bus for 5791 miles produces 1 tonne of CO2
- Travelling by train for 10321 produces 1 tonne of CO2
(Data from http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/business/envrp/pdf/conversion-factors.pdf)
One tonne of CO2 is produced by heating your home, how long you can heat your home will depend on the type of house and the fuel you use. For example a detached house with insulated cavity walls would produce one tonne of C02 if it were heated with: (Best option top)
- Wood for 5 months
- Gas for 2 months
- Oil for 2 months
- Coal for 1 month
- Electricity for 1 month
How many tonnes of CO2 does Aylesbury produce each year?
In Aylesbury Vale we emit 6.2 tonnes of CO2 per person per year. The source of the CO2 is made up of:
- 2.3 tonnes from domestic dwellings
- 2 tonnes from travel and transport
- 1.9 tonnes from industry and commerce
Source: Defra NI 186 Data 2007
Calculate your carbon footprint
For more information on what a carbon footprint is and to find out how to calculate your own carbon footprint, visit the Act on CO2 website
Date Updated: 12/10/09