CARBON (C02) FOOTPRINT: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF FAMILIES IN THE NIGER DELTA OF NIGERIA

Human activities have increased the emission of CO2 over the years; this study seeks to determine the carbon footprint of families in Warri based on the consumption of Energy and additional factors, which contributes to increased emission, and recommend ways to reduce the emission of CO2 to the environment. The data gathering technique is the quantitative research method. Two hundred (200) questionnaires were distributed to 200 households and oral interviews were conducted, 150 feedbacks were received representing a fraction of about 70% of different Local Government areas in Delta State, which includes Agbargho (Ughelli North), Uvwie Local Government, Warri South, Udu Local Government. These households have family sizes mostly ranging from four to six although we had family sizes of 11 and above from the questionnaires adding to a comprehensive demographic mix. Data gathering were from the alternative power supply, transport, household equipment & devices, fuel consumption per day, car mileage of each household, power consumption, and carbon soot deposit provided by household in different local government within Delta State. It is evident that an average family in Delta State emits about 14.193 tons of CO2 emissions. Moreover, deliberate actions taken by families in the Niger Delta and government policies can reduce this value and thereby make a significant impact on climate change. The subject of CO2 emission reduction is everyone's responsibility, good for the environment, excellent for the economy, and good for the family budget.