What is the Biggest Cause of our Carbon Footprint?

When people hear the term ‘carbon footprint’, they often think about individual actions, like driving a car, flying, or heating a home. It is a useful way to understand how daily habits contribute to climate change. But the biggest causes of carbon emissions are not individual behaviours. They are global systems powered by fossil fuels and shaped by how economies are designed to consume resources.

Fossil fuels remain the single largest driver of climate change. Coal, oil and gas account for the majority of greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 90 per cent of all carbon dioxide emissions worldwide. These emissions are the primary cause of global warming and climate instability.

As greenhouse gases trap more of the sun’s heat, the Earth’s surface warms. This disrupts weather systems, damages ecosystems and increases risks to human health and livelihoods. The effects are not evenly felt. Communities least responsible for emissions are often the most exposed to their consequences.

The role of fossil fuels in daily life

Fossil fuels power nearly every part of the modern global economy. They are burned to generate electricity and heat, to run vehicles, and to manufacture goods. Every stage of this process releases emissions.

Generating power

Electricity and heat generation is one of the largest contributors to global emissions. Most of the world’s power is still produced by burning fossil fuels. Although renewable sources now provide about a third of electricity globally, the majority still comes from coal, oil and gas. These energy sources release large volumes of carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide.

Manufacturing and industry

Producing goods like cement, steel, electronics, plastics and textiles consumes vast amounts of energy, mostly from fossil fuels. Many industrial processes also release greenhouse gases directly. Construction, mining and the production of chemicals all add to the total. Some products, such as plastics, are made from fossil fuels themselves.

Land, transport and food: other major drivers

Fossil fuels are not the only source of emissions. How land is used, how we move around and how we produce food also have significant climate impacts.

Deforestation and land use

Cutting down forests releases stored carbon and reduces nature’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide. This contributes around one third of global greenhouse gas emissions when combined with agriculture and other land use changes.

Transport

Cars, lorries, ships and planes rely on fossil fuels. Road transport is responsible for the largest share of transport emissions, followed by aviation and shipping. Transport makes up almost a quarter of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions and demand is expected to rise. Supporting low carbon transport options in your area can help shift this trend.

Food production

Food systems contribute to emissions in several ways. These include land use change, methane from livestock, fertiliser use and the fossil fuels used in farming and distribution. Packaging and food waste add to the total. The impact is especially high for beef and dairy production. Local changes to how food is grown, shared and consumed can reduce emissions.

Buildings and consumption

Energy demand in buildings

Homes and commercial buildings use large amounts of electricity and fuel, especially for heating, cooling and cooking. As global demand rises, so do emissions unless this energy comes from clean sources. Buildings now account for almost 60 per cent of electricity use globally.

Consumption and inequality

The way we consume goods and services also shapes emissions. Wealthier individuals tend to have much higher carbon footprints due to larger homes, more travel, and higher rates of consumption. Research shows that the top 10 per cent of global earners are responsible for two thirds of emissions since 1990. The top 1 per cent alone have a disproportionate impact on extreme weather events.

Recognising these disparities is key to designing fair and effective climate responses. That includes actions that grow a Changeprint; the collective impact of local efforts that reduce emissions and deliver shared benefits like cleaner air and stronger communities.

What this means for climate action

Identifying the biggest causes of carbon footprint helps clarify where action is most needed. It highlights the central role of fossil fuels, but also the importance of changing how we produce energy, food and goods. These are all areas where community-led solutions are already making a difference.

Individual choices do still matter, especially when they support bigger shifts. Our guide on how to reduce your carbon footprint offers practical steps that align with wider community goals and help build momentum for system-level change.

Explore more ways to support local projects and connect personal action to collective climate progress.

FAQs

What is the biggest contributor to our carbon footprint?

The biggest contributor to our carbon footprint is the use of fossil fuels. This includes burning coal, oil and gas for electricity, heat, transport and manufacturing.

What role does consumption play in emissions?

Consumption, especially in wealthier households, significantly increases carbon emissions. The wealthiest 10 per cent of people are responsible for the majority of global emissions.

Which sectors are most responsible for emissions?

Power generation, industry, transport, food production and buildings are the main sectors responsible for greenhouse gas emissions.

How does deforestation affect emissions?

Deforestation releases stored carbon and reduces the planet’s ability to absorb emissions. It also contributes to biodiversity loss and climate instability.

What can I do to reduce emissions in my area?

You can support local projects focused on renewable energy, sustainable food, nature recovery, low carbon transport and circular economy solutions. These actions can help to reduce emissions and help build stronger communities.

What is a Changeprint?

A Changeprint is the positive impact created when people join forces in taking climate action. It’s not the action itself, but all the benefits that result. The impact is not limited to reducing carbon emissions and includes wider project benefits such as cleaner air, improved health outcomes and stronger communities. Where a carbon footprint measures what we take away, a Changeprint shows what we can build together.

Sources

• https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/science/causes-effects-climate-change
• https://iiasa.ac.at/news/may-2025/worlds-wealthiest-10-caused-two-thirds-of-global-warming-since-1990

About Carbon Copy

Carbon Copy exists to turn individual concern for climate and nature into collective impact by helping people connect locally and create real change together. We believe the fastest way to create change is to share it. We tap into a powerful truth: copying is human nature. When action is visible and easy to replicate, it spreads. It’s about people stepping in, inspired by what others have done and copying what works. Carbon Copy offers a place to start, with a national collection of climate action stories, place-by-place climate and nature plans, a popular podcast and blog, and capacity building for organisations across public, private and third sectors.