The biggest challenge we’re facing as species is surviving the upcoming 100 years. We’re living in an environmental catastrophe due to many reasons, such as climate change, pollution, extinction of species, polar ice melting, and ocean rising, threatening cities to disappear from the globe!
Even though this disaster, we can still take action to minimize the damage and help the environment to heal. Reducing the carbon footprint is one of the solutions.
Now you might be asking: what is a carbon footprint?
Let’s start with a simple definition. It’s a measure of the total amount of greenhouse gasses released into the atmosphere caused by a service/product, an individual, an organization, and even a nation! It’s usually measured in tones of CO2 (carbon dioxide equivalent).
But what are Greenhouse gases? Well, we can define them by any type of gas in the atmosphere. It has a major role in blocking the heat from escaping. As a result, the earth is warming up at an unnatural rate!
The causes of a carbon footprint
These emissions are caused by a few main industries. For example, burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) produced 36013.52 million tonnes of CO2 in 2016! We can add agriculture, waste, and industrial processes.
Can you even believe that they create the majority of the greenhouse gasses we produce!
Let us share some data that focuses on territorial emissions from just a few countries. For sure, we should in consideration the difference in population size across these countries.
The total annual emissions (tones of CO2) in 2017:
- China: 9.84 billion.
- United States: 5.27 billion.
- India: 2.46 billion.
- Canada: 571.14 million.
Now, you must be blaming those countries and these big businesses. But do you remember, we mentioned that individuals have also a carbon footprint? Your actions and your lifestyle choices have some impact on the environment.
A good place to start understanding your carbon footprint is by asking questions about your life and your activities. It will give you an overall picture of your emissions. These are very simple such as the energy you’re using at home, the fuels used for your car/motorbike, etc…
We can also list your waste production, your diet, the type of food you eat, and even your shopping habits like purchasing electronic products that play a role in carbon emissions.
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In the end, we can conclude: that the more you lower your carbon footprint, the more you can live a healthier lifestyle. So, you can help in contributing to the overall reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and saving money as well!
