This article deals with fundamental questions like what is a carbon footprint and how we can calculate it. It also consists of information like factors that contribute towards the carbon footprint. By definition, the quantitative result of greenhouse gas emission in the environment (mainly CO2) is carbon footprint. It means that the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere accounts for the carbon footprint because of man.
The unit of measurement for a carbon footprint is in tons of carbon dioxide released every year. It does not only include carbon dioxide. Other greenhouse gases like nitrous oxide and methane etc. are also counted in equivalence. It is possible to calculate the carbon footprint at an individual level and in groups like families, communities, organizations, and even nationwide.
What is a carbon footprint is a relatively more straightforward question to answer. The tricky part is in calculating it per unit. The reason is that the requirement is to calculate the fuel usage of an individual’s carbon footprint for their data. The problem here is that the drive to the workplace is taking a particular amount of fuel. The standard fuel used is a fossil fuel, so we will also consider that.
The target is to calculate the carbon dioxide emission in that one trip. It becomes a problem when we consider that workplace is emitting greenhouse gases due to electricity usage. The nature of the workplace will also hinder the data.
If it’s a supermarket, then the customers’ footprint will cause a disruption. Also, the goods available will have a carbon footprint. The supermarket data will be different from that of an employee.
It is critical for each one of us to understand the impact we are making on the environment. Carbon footprint is a vital tool to know our contribution to global warming. So, if you love your planet and atmosphere, you must know about your carbon footprint and try to reduce it.
Multiple software houses provide user-friendly online calculators for the carbon footprint. They require specific data like your fossil fuel usage (in terms of your travel frequency), your lifestyle, your eating habits, and your source of electricity. Even though there is no guarantee for the accuracy of the results, it will give you a reasonably good idea.
The important thing is not to get the exact data about your carbon footprint, instead, reduce it anyhow to ensure a better planet for future generations.