Burning fossil fuels such as gasoline and diesel releases carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere, contributing to global climate change. CO2 is the most important human-made GHG, and highway vehicles account for 26% of U.S. CO2 emissions (1.7 billion tons each year).

You'd Be Amazed...

Each gallon of gasoline you burn creates 20 pounds of CO2.

The average vehicle emits around 6 to 9 tons of CO2 each year.

Pollution control devices cannot reduce your car's CO2 emissions. You can only reduce them by Choosing a car with better gas mileage Getting the best fuel economy out of your car Using a low-carbon fuel, such as ethanol or CNG Walking, biking, or taking public transit more often		Reduce your carbon footprint by choosing a car with better gas mileage
Combining trips when possible (also saves time and money)

We Can Help

Fueleconomy.gov's Find-a-Car feature provides a carbon footprint for each vehicle that shows

• Estimated annual tons of CO2 emitted

• CO2 emissions relative to other vehicles

More Information on Climate Change

EPA's Climate Change Site

• Global Warming and Our Changing Environment: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (EPA Booklet)
  
  
• More Global Warming FAQs from EPA
  • Fundamentals
  • In More Detail
  • I've heard...

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

• Climate Change 2007: Synthesis Report - Summary for Policymakers
• The Regional Impacts of Climate Change: An Assessment of Vulnerability

Global Warming: Frequently Asked Questions (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [NOAA])

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