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چکیده
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Understanding and mitigating household carbon emissions is crucial in the global fight against climate change, as the residential sector is a significant source of greenhouse gases. This is particularly vital in developing regions undergoing rapid urbanization and changes in consumption patterns. This study presents a comprehensive assessment of household carbon footprints in Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region, Iraq, by analyzing data from 412 households collected through structured questionnaires that cover demographics, energy use, transportation, and waste management practices. The results show that only 11.7% of household energy comes from clean sources, while heating oil accounts for 62.8% of consumption. Annual carbon emissions per household range from 6 to 151 tons, with an average of 40.65 tons, nearly double the national average for Iraq (22.35 tons) and the global average (21.86 tons). These results underscore the urgent need for targeted environmental policies in the region, emphasizing a shift toward cleaner energy sources, enhanced waste management practices, and more sustainable transportation. By identifying the main contributors to household emissions, this research provides a data-driven foundation for policymakers to design effective mitigation strategies that support climate resilience and sustainable development in Sulaymaniyah. The findings of this study can directly inform the development of public awareness campaigns to promote energy conservation and sustainable lifestyles among citizens. Furthermore, the data-driven framework established here can be adapted for continuous monitoring and evaluation of the environmental impact of future policies in the region.
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