What Is Carbon Footprint？

In the context of global response to climate change, “carbon footprint” has become a key indicator to measure the impact of human activities on the environment. It is closely related to life and production. And it is an important link to guide all parties to participate in environmental protection actions.

What is carbon footprint?

Definition of carbon footprint

Carbon footprint is the greenhouse gas emissions produced by an individual, organization, product or activity over its entire life cycle, usually expressed as carbon dioxide equivalent. It vividly visualizes the greenhouse gas emissions generated by human activities. Like the “footprints” we leave in the environment, it records our impact on the climate.

Scope of coverage

Carbon footprint covers a wide range, including the whole life cycle from raw material acquisition, manufacturing, product transportation, use process, to final disposal. For example, the carbon footprint of a cotton T-shirt includes emissions from the fuel consumption and fertilizer use of agricultural machinery when cotton is grown. To the energy consumption emissions during the processing of textile factories. To the carbon emissions of transportation vehicles during transportation, and the energy emissions of consumers during the washing and wearing process, until the emissions generated by the decomposition or treatment of the T-shirt after waste. Every choice we make in life leaves a trace in this vast network of carbon footprints.

Methods and tools for carbon footprint calculator

Scientific calculation methods

Life cycle Assessment (LCA) is a common scientific method for calculating carbon footprint. It systematically analyzes the environmental impact of the entire life cycle of a product or service. It covers the extraction, production, transportation, use and disposal stages of raw materials. By collecting data on energy consumption, material input and emissions at each stage, it calculates the total carbon emissions by using specific models and algorithms. For example, to calculate the carbon footprint of a car, you need to consider emissions from mining ore to recycling.

Practical calculation tools

World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Carbon Footprint Tool

WWF launched a carbon tool for the public to help people quickly estimate their carbon emissions. Users input basic information such as home energy consumption, travel, diet, etc., to understand their own carbon footprint. But also to get emissions reduction suggestions such as replacing energy-saving appliances, reasonable setting of air conditioning temperature. And to easily start a low-carbon life.

Carbon Footprint Calculator for Students

Designed for students, easy and fun to use. It can calculate the carbon footprint by taking campus and daily activities as the entry point. Such as the number and distance of bus trips, stationery use, dining in the canteen and other information. So that students can intuitively feel the impact of daily behaviors on the environment and cultivate environmental awareness.

Factors affecting Carbon Footprints

Individual level

Individual lifestyle and consumption habits significantly affect the carbon footprint. Frequent air travel, due to the high energy consumption and high emissions of aviation fuel, will greatly increase the carbon footprint. Buy local food in season to reduce transport carbon emissions. Everyday use of energy-efficient appliances, turning off lights, and water conservation can reduce household energy consumption. And these small steps can help reduce your personal carbon footprint.

Enterprise Level

An enterprise’s carbon footprint is influenced by production mode, energy structure and supply chain management. Enterprises that rely on high-energy equipment and fossil energy have more carbon emissions. Businesses that use clean energy, optimize processes, and improve energy efficiency have a low carbon footprint. Shortening the supply chain and choosing low-carbon transport modes can also effectively reduce the carbon emissions generated by business operations.

National Level

A country’s economic structure, energy policy and stage of development have a profound impact on its carbon footprint. In countries dominated by industry, the industrial energy consumption and emissions are large, and the carbon footprint is usually large. The service industry and high-tech industries are mainly smaller. Actively developing renewable energy and implementing strict carbon emission policies can effectively control carbon footprint. Such as Denmark’s vigorous development of wind energy, and remarkable results.

Harm of high carbon footprint

Climate change

A high carbon footprint directly leads to an increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, triggering global warming. This will lead to a chain reaction of melting glaciers and rising sea levels. Then threatening the livelihoods and homes of hundreds of millions of people in coastal areas. And the extreme weather events such as heavy rains, droughts and hurricanes will occur frequently, disrupting agricultural production. Then affecting the distribution of water resources, resulting in reduced food production and imbalance of ecosystems.

Ecosystem destruction

Changes in temperature and precipitation caused by climate change have disrupted the original balance of the ecosystem. Many plant and animal species are unable to adapt to the rapidly changing environment. They are facing an existential crisis, with biodiversity under serious threat. For example, coral reefs are extremely sensitive to sea temperature. And rising sea temperature leads to coral bleaching and the death of a large number of coral reefs. This in turn destroys the habitat of Marine life and affects the stability of the entire Marine ecosystem.

Ways to reduce Carbon footprint

Individual action

Individuals can reduce carbono in many ways. Travel priority to walk, ride or bus, less private cars. Diet, more vegetarian less meat, especially control beef intake, because livestock emissions a lot of greenhouse gases. When consuming, choose energy-saving home appliances, local environmentally friendly products, and refuse excessive packaging. Develop energy saving habits every day, turn off the lights, use water for multiple purposes to help reduce carbon.

Corporate strategy

Enterprises should incorporate carbon reduction into their strategy. Replace fossil energy with clean energy such as solar and wind energy in production. Invest in research and development of energy-saving and emission reduction technologies, and optimize processes to improve energy efficiency. Strengthen supply chain management, cooperate with low-carbon suppliers, and drive the green transformation of the whole chain. For example, use energy-saving equipment and renewable energy to supply power, effectively reducing the carbon footprint of operations.

Policy and social dimension

The government needs to improve carbon emission policies and regulations. And guide emissions reduction through economic means such as carbon tax and carbon emission trading. Vigorously support the renewable energy industry and optimize the energy mix. Strengthen public transport infrastructure and advocate green travel. Carry out environmental publicity and education, enhance public awareness and participation in environmental protection. And create a good atmosphere for all people to participate in emission reduction.

Current situation and cases of carbon footprint

The total global carbon footprint continues to grow. Although many countries actively reduce emissions, but due to population growth and economic development needs, the situation is still serious. The energy sector accounts for a large proportion of emissions, and the power, heating and transportation industries are the main reasons. Some developed countries have reduced emissions through energy transformation and industrial upgrading. And developing countries are also speeding up green development and controlling the growth of carbon footprint.

Conclusión

Carbon footprint measures the impact of human activities on climate change, and a high carbon footprint is a serious problem. Individuals, enterprises and governments need to work together to practice low-carbon living, promote green development and formulate policies. To achieve harmonious coexistence between man and nature.