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Is it greener to use gas or electricity to heat your home and cook?

An analysis of carbon emissions caused by gas and electric cooking and heating in 25 countries finds that the climate-friendly choice depends on where you are

By Kate Ravilious

14 February 2023

Eggs boiling on an electric stove

In many countries, electric stoves still result in more carbon emissions than gas ones

deepblue4you/iStockphoto​/Getty Images

Which is the more climate-friendly option for heating and cooking: gas or electric? The answer depends on where you live.

Measurements of greenhouse gas emissions taken during the Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, a large festival with a focus on food and drink, suggest that the event could reduce its annual carbon footprint by 87 per cent if it switched its gas-fired heaters, grills and ovens to electric. But for much of the world, the study indicates that …

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