Every year, an average Mumbaiite emits 3.83 tonnes of carbon dioxide, which is equivalent to emissions from a small petrol car making 76 round trips between Mumbai and Pune (a distance of 165km). Mumbai’s carbon footprint is double the national average of 1.4 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

This is one of the findings from data compiled by Dadar-based non-government organisation Environmental Management Centre (EMC), after calculating the personal carbon footprint of 503 people across India.

The analysis found that higher income groups have a higher carbon consumption lifestyle as compared to those from lower income groups. “The wealthy need to understand climate change because they are the ones who own two to three cars and use air-conditioners; all of which are high carbon dioxide emitters. Cutting down on electricity bills and car fuel will also mean monetary gain for the individual,” said Prasad Modak, founder and executive president, EMC.

Source: Hindustan Times