Data and codes for household carbon footprints in developed countries

Developed countries are experienciWtrends towards childlessness and singleness, but little is known about the climate impacts of their consumption relative to this. We evaluate the greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint of five household groups and clarifies the climate effect of household transitions towards singleness and childlessness. We found that the trends of singleness and childlessness in developed countries challenge carbon mitigation. Although there is a sharp decrease in the GHG footprint of couple households with dependent children, the emerging single and childless households have accounted for an increasing share of GHG footprint due to their growing quantity and relatively higher GHG intensity. Reducing the GHG intensity of single and childless households is essential for the achievement of the temperature target. Climate policy makers need to fully consider these demographic trends.