What Produces More CO2: 4 Men Running or 4 Men Driving in a Hybrid Car?

Four average-size men running will release more carbon dioxide (CO2) than they would if they were all riding together in a hybrid car for the same distance. This does not hold true for average-size women because of their statistically lower body mass. This also does not necessarily mean that hybrid cars are always the more environmentally friendly choice. For instance, this calculation does not take into consideration the total pollution created when building the car or refining the gasoline for use in the car — or for that matter, the fact that humans emit CO2 constantly, whereas cars can be turned off.

More facts about carbon emissions:

• In the mid-1990s, every person on the planet was, on average, responsible for at least one ton of carbon emissions a year — that's about twice what the oceans and forests can absorb.


• Carbon emissions for food transport are high — food in the United States travels an average of 1,500 miles (2,414 km) before it's eaten — but closer is not always better. For instance, it's better, environmentally speaking, to buy certain foods that are shipped — not flown or driven — than those that are driven a great distance because carbon emissions from ships are much lower than those from trucks.


• Indonesia and Brazil are responsible for about 10 percent of the world's total carbon emissions simply because of the rapid deforestation of their rainforests. The only two countries responsible for more carbon emissions are the U.S. and China.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much CO2 does an average person exhale when running?

When running, an average person exhales about 8 times more carbon dioxide than at rest. According to the British Journal of Sports Medicine, a person running can exhale between 33-50 grams of CO2 per hour, depending on intensity and individual metabolism.

What is the CO2 emission of a hybrid car compared to traditional vehicles?

Hybrid cars emit significantly less CO2 than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. On average, a hybrid car can reduce emissions by about 25% to 35% over a conventional car. This is due to the hybrid's ability to switch between an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, optimizing fuel efficiency.

Can the CO2 produced by human activity be compared to that of cars?

While humans do produce CO2 through activities like running, the scale is much smaller compared to cars. A car emits roughly 411 grams of CO2 per mile, whereas a human produces only a fraction of that during physical activity. The comparison is not on a like-for-like basis due to the vastly different magnitudes of emissions.

Does the number of passengers in a car affect its CO2 emissions?

The number of passengers in a car does not significantly affect its CO2 emissions per mile. However, when considering emissions per person, a fully occupied vehicle is more efficient, as the emissions are divided among all passengers, reducing the per capita environmental impact.

What are the benefits of using a hybrid car for the environment?

Hybrid cars offer several environmental benefits, including lower CO2 emissions due to improved fuel efficiency and reduced reliance on fossil fuels. They also contribute to decreased air pollution and can lead to less noise pollution when operating on electric mode. These factors collectively help mitigate climate change and promote cleaner air.

How can individuals reduce their carbon footprint from transportation?

Individuals can reduce their carbon footprint from transportation by using public transit, carpooling, biking, walking, or driving fuel-efficient vehicles such as hybrids or electric cars. Planning trips to avoid unnecessary travel, maintaining vehicles for optimal performance, and adopting eco-driving habits also contribute to lower CO2 emissions.