9.3 - Carbon Footprints

What a carbon footprint is

A carbon footprint is the total amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases released over the full life cycle of a product (e.g. a mobile phone), service (e.g. a bus journey), or event (e.g. a music festival).

Why an exact figure is hard to work out

• Calculating an exact carbon footprint is very difficult because so many separate emissions must be counted across the entire life cycle (sourcing raw materials, manufacture, use, and disposal).
• A rough calculation is still useful for identifying the worst emitters so reductions can be targeted.

Reducing a carbon footprint

A carbon footprint is reduced by cutting the carbon dioxide and methane released at any stage of a life cycle.

Actions that reduce a footprint

• Renewable or nuclear energy - Using these instead of fossil fuels.
• More efficient processes - Using less energy and producing less waste (decomposing waste releases methane, so cutting waste reduces emissions).
• Carbon capture and storage - Capturing carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels before it reaches the atmosphere, and storing it deep underground (e.g. old oil wells).
• Taxing emissions - Taxing companies or individuals based on how much greenhouse gas they emit (e.g. taxing cars on emissions) to encourage fuel-efficient choices.
• Capping emissions - Limiting the total greenhouse gases a company can produce, and selling licences up to that cap.

Why making these reductions is difficult

• Many alternative technologies are still being developed and can't yet replace fossil fuels completely.
• Switching away from fossil fuels can harm economic growth, which is a major concern for developing countries.
• International agreements are hard to reach because countries won't commit unless they're confident others will do the same.
• Individuals may be reluctant to change their lifestyles without enough education on why the changes are needed and how to make them.