The Relationship between Income Level and CFP Level of the Provinces in Turkey: A Case Study

Abstract

This study determines the distribution of carbon footprint values (CFP) in Turkey by income levels, gender, age group, provinces where people live and the geographical regions of these provinces. In addition, % distribution of human activities which lead to CFP (food, travel, home, stuff) has been analysed. The carbon emission values assessed in this study have been compared with annual carbon emission distributions of various countries. In comparison by income levels, it was observed that mainly consumption-based usages (48%) take part in spending of people in the lowest income section while travel costs (42%) of people having high income have a significant contribution to CFP values. In assessment by age groups, it was observed that the highest CFP value is obtained by those aged 40 or older (in average; 17.1 tons CO2 per capita). In assessment of CFP values on the basis of geographical region and province, it was seen that high CFP values which result from the fuel type used for heating in eastern regions of Turkey replace CFP values related to transportation in western parts. In Turkey, annual carbon emission value is 15.1 tons CO2 per capita in average. This value is similar to annual carbon emission per capita of European countries such as Spain, France.