What is carbon footprint?

What is the carbon footprint?

Since the beginning of the industrial revolution, the problem of the impact of carbon on the environment has increased significantly, as human activities – such as burning fossil fuels and producing electricity – have caused the release of huge quantities of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs). Which led to an increase in the carbon footprint. These factors are considered a major cause of climate change, the acceleration of global warming, and the further spread of the concept of the carbon footprint. Therefore, we must work together to reduce our carbon footprint, in order to preserve our planet.

This requires taking a number of steps, the most important of which are: improving energy efficiency – supporting renewable energy – encouraging clean means of transportation – changing the consumption pattern; In order to reinforce these steps, in this article we will shed light on the definition of the carbon footprint, and we will mention its most prominent causes, and how to control it. With the aim of building a sustainable and healthy future for us and for future generations.

Definition of carbon footprint

The carbon footprint is an effect resulting from the release of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) – such as carbon dioxide and methane – into the atmosphere, and this occurs after human activity; When driving a car, for example, the exhaust coming out of it has a carbon footprint. But what about a bicycle – for example – that does not emit exhaust?

From here we answer: Although the bicycle does not emit gases, it was manufactured – of course – in a factory powered by fossil energy, and there is a truck running on gasoline that transported it to the dealers; All of this has a carbon footprint. Even reading a book while sitting on a sofa also has a carbon footprint. Because the book was made in a factory that uses dirty energy, and the list goes on. In other words: the carbon footprint – specifically – is an environmental indicator that measures the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, and is expressed in tons per year (Tan / year). All of this leads us to an important question:How is the carbon footprintmeasured__?

The carbon footprint can be calculated by evaluating all the processes that occur during the production process or an individual’s daily activities, and calculating the amount of gases that are emitted into the atmosphere, in addition to evaluating the life cycle of all processes in each product, from its production to the stage of disposal.

There are several programs and tools used to calculate the amount of the carbon footprint. These tools and programs differ according to their degree of ease and complexity, and depend on the information obtained from companies or individuals. Among these tools and programs are:

• The “Carbon Footprint Expert –Carbon Trust Footprint Exper” program,It is a program that helps promote sustainability, increase energy efficiency, and identify opportunities to reduce those carbon emissions.
• The “Carbon Footprint Company –Carbon Footprint Ltd” program,, which helps companies assess their carbon footprint and identify opportunities to reduce their carbon emissions.
• The program “GHG Protocol”,A program that can analyze carbon emissions.
• The “Ecochain –Ecochain” program,which is a multi-functional software tool, including calculating the carbon footprint, calculating the cost of production, and analyzing markets on a regular basis.
• CoolClimate__EG_PH_62CoolClimateprogram, which calculates the carbon impact through the contributions of individuals or companies.