Commissioned by Flanders Environment Agency (abbreviated VMM), VITO has quantified the global greenhouse gas emissions due to Flanders’ consumption. It results in 20 ton per capita, two third of which is produced abroad. One third is originated outside of Europe, mainly in Asia.
In view of climate actions, the greenhouse gas emissions are limited to the amount produced in the region or country itself. In Flanders this is 13 ton per capita. However, it is equally important to take into consideration the carbon footprint, the greenhouse gas emissions originating from consumption. A large part of the consumed products and services have large production chains, at least partially situated outside of Flanders. Hence, they are responsible for greenhouse gas emissions abroad. This should be taken into consideration when deciding on consumer and supplier behaviour and other climate actions.
