Vitality of carbon footprints of urbanites in a low-income country: Implications for low carbon society

Abstract

Anthropogenic activities are causing climate changes and rise in average earth surface temperature as well. Developing countries are extra affected by climate changes. Pakistan is 3rd most exposed country to climate change. The carbon footprints are causing hazardous effects and pushing agencies to find ways for its reduction. This research primary objective is the estimation of the carbon footprints of households. Multistage sampling technique was used for sample selection of the 280 households of seven major roads of Faisalabad, which covered both urban and peri-urban areas. A well-structured and pre-tested questionnaire was used to accumulate the data, inserted into web’s leading carbon footprint calculator for carbon footprint estimation. Urban households produce overall 3.98 tons carbon footprints per month and peri-urban produce 3.28 tons. Transportation was the major contributor towards the CO2 emissions i.e. 82% of 3.98 metric tons and 94% of 3.28 metric tons of total carbon emissions in urban and peri-urban households. There exists a positive association between CO2 emissions and family size, house size, monthly income and electricity bills of the households of urban and peri-urban areas. It is suggested that local transportation system and awareness regarding CO2 emissions and its mitigation must be improved by effective campaigns.