What is Carbon Footprint?

Definition

A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide and methane) that are generated by our actions. It is typically expressed in equivalent tons of carbon dioxide (CO2e).

According to The Nature Conservancy, the average carbon footprint for a person in the United States is 16 tons, one of the highest rates in the world. Globally, the average is closer to 4 tons.

Why It Matters

Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, causing global warming and climate change. By understanding our carbon footprint, we can identify the primary sources of our emissions and take effective steps to reduce them.

Key Components

• Direct Emissions: Emissions from sources that are owned or controlled by the individual or organization (e.g., burning fuel in a car or furnace).
• Indirect Emissions: Emissions that are a consequence of the activities of the individual or organization but occur at sources owned or controlled by another entity (e.g., emissions from the production of electricity used by the organization).