Question 1

What is a carbon footprint?

Accepted Answer

Carbon footprint: total greenhouse gas emissions caused by activities. Measured in CO₂ equivalent (kg or tonnes). Includes direct emissions (car, home) and indirect (food, products). Main sources: transportation, energy use, food consumption, goods. Average US footprint: ~16 tonnes/year. Sustainable target: under 2 tonnes/year.

Question 2

How do I calculate my carbon footprint?

Accepted Answer

Calculate footprint by category: Transport (car km × 0.21, flights × 250, bus × 0.089). Energy (electricity kWh × 0.5, gas m³ × 2.0). Food (meat kg × 6.0, dairy × 3.0, plant × 0.5). Sum all categories. Use carbon calculator for accurate estimate. Values vary by location, energy source, vehicle type. Annual footprint = weekly/monthly × frequency.

Question 3

How can I reduce my carbon footprint?

Accepted Answer

Reduce transport: use public transit, bike, walk, electric vehicle, combine trips, fewer flights. Reduce energy: renewable electricity, LED lights, smart thermostat, unplug devices, efficient appliances. Reduce food: less meat, local produce, reduce waste, plant-based meals. General: buy less, secondhand, recycle, carbon offsets. Small changes add up significantly.

Question 4

What are the biggest sources of carbon emissions?

Accepted Answer

Biggest sources globally: electricity/heat (25%), transport (16%), agriculture (18%), industry (21%). Personal level: car travel (largest for most), home energy, meat consumption, flights. One transatlantic flight: ~1-2 tonnes. Average car: 4 tonnes/year. Meat diet: 2+ tonnes vs plant-based 0.5. Focus on biggest sources for maximum impact.

Question 5

What is the sustainable carbon footprint target?

Accepted Answer

Sustainable target: under 2 tonnes CO₂ per year per person. Current average: US 16 tonnes, EU 8 tonnes, global 4 tonnes. 2 tonnes: level to limit global warming to 1.5°C. Achievable through: low-carbon transport, renewable energy, plant-based diet, minimal flying, energy efficiency. Carbon offset for remaining emissions.

Carbon Footprint Calculator

Transportation (weekly)

Home Energy (monthly)

Food Consumption (weekly kg)

Tips to Reduce Your Footprint

Emission Factors