UN details its own CO2 emissions

As one of its first steps toward reducing its own greenhouse gas footprint, the United Nations has announced that it emits 1.7 million tons of carbon dioxide annually worldwide.

One million tons of that amount is generated by peacekeeping operations, and represents 3.3 percent of the emissions generated by New York City, where the world body is located. Half of the rest, or 0.7 million tons of emissions, are caused by UN staff flights.

The UN Environment Program has said that releasing such details is only the first step. Next, it will try to achieve the low-carbon goal set by UN. Built in 1952, the UN headquarters in New York is due for a full renovation soon.

The major building systems are set to be upgraded, with a 50 percent drop in total energy use.