For 2009, UN greenhouse gas emissions were 1.7 million tonnes CO2eq in total and 8.3 tonnes CO2eq per staff capita. These figures are similar in magnitude to the results for 2008. Air travel accounts for half of total emissions. Per capita air travel emissions were 4.1 tonnes CO2eq, with a few agencies reporting figures over 10 tonnes, especially those with more centralized operations. It is clear that any meaningful reduction of the UN climate footprint will require reducing current air travel, and wherever possible, replacing it with sustainable alternatives.

Though the results show overall emission trends and obvious causes, comparison between years requires more detailed analysis to take into account the changes in coverage and in the methodologies for Purchased Steam, Purchased Electricity and Refrigerants. In addition, there have been rearrangements and changes in the contents of the emission categories that need to be considered when comparing results. In 2008, the total emissions reported included Optional Emissions, while these are excluded from the total for 2009. Where comparisons are made between 2008 and 2009 emissions, the figures for 2008 exclude Optional Emissions.