Carbon Footprint Controlling and Monitoring as a Step Toward Sustainable Urban Development, (Case Study: Tabriz City _ Iran)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 . Department of Urban & Regional Planning, Faculty of Planning & Environmental Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

2 Department of Urban & Regional Planning, Faculty of Planning & Environmental Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

Abstract

Fossil fuels associated with urban landfills are the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Studies indicate that one of the most effective ways to reduce CO2 in the atmosphere is to increase green space and afforestation in cities. This study aims to predict green space demand to absorb carbon footprints from fossil fuel consumption and landfill. Calculating greenhouse gas emissions through landfill is examined and evaluated for the first time in urban planning in Iran. This research is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical in terms of method. The raw data required for this study were obtained from reports on fossil fuel consumption and landfill in Tabriz. Also, the estimation method provided by the Ministry of Petroleum of Iran was used to indirectly calculate greenhouse gas emissions and a mathematical model designed by the US Environmental Protection Agency to estimate the volume of gas produced. The results indicated that the volume of CO2 emitted from 2013 to 2019 were, respectively, about 5,850,363 - 5,089,094 - 2,839,819 - 2,206,225 - 2,355,156 and 2,763,010 tons. Calculating the carbon footprint shows that the per capita green space needed to absorb CO2 for 2018-2019 is 943 m2. But the environmental rights needed to provide water for this amount of green space are not there due to the existing water crisis. Based on this and taking into account international proposals, it is necessary to invest in renewable energy, especially solar and wind energy, in order to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide. Also, the hybrid public transport fleet should replace gasoline and diesel vehicles.

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References

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