One of the main methods of measuring the extent of environmental damage caused by human activity is to examine one’s carbon footprint – but what exactly is it and how can we improve our own?

A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases generated by an individual, organisation, or product. 

Carbon footprint calculators have been widely adopted by many organisations, with companies calculating their carbon footprint in order to begin the process of taking climate action. 

Carbon footprints can often expose the hypocrisies of large corporations; for example, in November 2021, the COP26 conference was estimated to have produced 102,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide, with 60% of those emissions coming from air travel. 

The growing frequency of space travel also has a vast effect on the world’s carbon footprint.

How is a carbon footprint measured?

Carbon footprints are calculated by assessing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions caused by an activity or production methods.

For instance, if you order a pepperoni pizza from a fast food chain, the carbon footprint will not only take into consideration the mode of transport via which the pizza was delivered, but also the process of producing the pizza (farming the pig, processing the meat, farming the cow, processing the cheese, shipping the produce, and so on).

What counts as greenhouse gases?

The four main greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and water vapor. 

Why are greenhouse gases bad?

The emission of greenhouse gases traps heat within the Earth’s atmosphere and, because it can’t escape, causes the temperature to rise, thereby leading to global warming. 

What can affect your carbon footprint?

• Food: the global production of meat and dairy products contributes 35% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
• Method of transport: motor vehicles require the burning of fossil fuels, which in turn releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
• Household energy: central heating, refrigerators, and even kettles all emit greenhouse gases

Which country has the highest carbon footprint?

In 2020, China was recorded as emitting the largest amount of carbon dioxide, accounting for 30.64% of global emissions.

How can you reduce your carbon footprint?

• Go carless: instead of driving, opt for more sustainable methods of transport like public services (trains and buses), since shared vehicles produce less carbon emissions. Or, go even further: cycle or walk to work.
• Avoid flying: the aviation industry is responsible for 5% of global warming, yet only 3% of the world’s population fly regularly.
• Reduce your meat and dairy intake: the farming industry is one of the largest contributors to carbon footprint, with cows producing vast amounts of methane, and cheese being the third most carbon-intensive farming product (after lamb and beef).
• Shop local: avoid increasing your food miles by shopping at a local farmer’s market.
• Be energy efficient: only put the heating on when necessary, turn off appliances when you’re not using them.
• Recycle: around 11% of the world’s methane emissions comes from landfills, so do your best to recycle regularly and correctly.