Social Cost of Carbon
An estimate of the economic damage from emitting one additional ton of CO2, including impacts on agriculture, health, property, and ecosystems. The EPA estimate is approximately $51 per ton (2020 dollars).
Why It Matters
The social cost of carbon is used in cost-benefit analyses of energy policies. Including it makes almost every clean energy investment look cost-effective compared to fossil fuels.
Related Tools
Related Terms
Carbon Footprint
The total greenhouse gas emissions caused directly and indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product, usually expressed in metric tons of CO₂ equivalent (tCO₂e).
Emissions Factor
The amount of CO₂ (or CO₂ equivalent) emitted per unit of electricity generated, typically in lbs CO₂/kWh or kg CO₂/MWh. It varies by region based on the generation mix.
Carbon Intensity
The amount of CO2 emissions per unit of electricity generated. Varies by grid mix (coal, gas, renewables).