A carbon footprint is a broad term for the amount of greenhouse gases a person or entity generates while living their life. This term encompasses a wide range of different environmental factors, from things like transportation through to the production of food.
What are the Effects of Climate Change on Your Carbon Footprint?
As a leader in the field of climate change, the United Nations has advised a number of countries including Canada, European Union and Australia about what can be done to combat climate change.
In the US alone, greenhouse gas emissions have been increasing because of a lack of environmental regulations and the use of fossil fuels. There is also another issue that needs to be addressed – how much carbon dioxide humans emit as opposed to plants.
A recent study by the World Resources Institute has concluded that by 2050, global temperatures will rise by 2-4 degrees Celsius. The authors point out that this could be catastrophic for life on Earth and make it difficult for human civilization to continue as we know it.
How Can We Calculate Our Carbon Footprint?
One’s carbon footprint can be calculated using various calculations, such as the CO2 equivalent, the kilogram CO2e or Carbon Intensity. Today we will be looking at how to calculate your own personal carbon footprint, as well as understanding your environmental impact.
The first step in calculating your personal carbon footprint is to decide what types of activities you do on a daily basis and for how long each time. Next, you need to know what type of fuel source these activities use and determine which country or region these fuels come from. Finally, look at how much energy was created by these activities, and that’ll help you calculate your personal carbon footprint.
5 Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint Today
1. Buy local produce or food whenever possible.
2. Eat less meat – livestock are one of the major sources for CO2 emissions.
3. Turn down your thermostat during winter time – it will help you save money on heating bills, reduce your carbon footprint, and lower your risk for respiratory diseases associated with COLD air quality indoors
4. Reduce food waste by putting food into smaller portions before eating it
5. Avoid using single-use plastic bags that are damaging to our landfills
With the increasing environmental problems, it is crucial for us to take steps to reduce our carbon footprint. The Earth is getting warmer and this will cause more natural disasters with consequences that are not yet known. In our generation, we have a responsibility to leave a better world for future generations, so consider reducing your carbon footprint today.