carbon footprint

• What is a carbon footprint?

  A measure of greenhouse gases emitted
• How can individuals reduce their carbon footprint?

  • Maximise energy efficiency
  • Minimise waste
  • Use renewable energy sources
• What measures can governments take to reduce carbon footprints?

  • Impose emission-based taxes
  • Set emission caps
  • Require emissions licenses up to a cap
• What is the purpose of carbon capture and storage?

  To capture carbon dioxide before release
• Where is captured carbon stored?

  Deep underground
• How does carbon off-setting work?

  By planting trees to absorb carbon dioxide
• What do carbon-neutral products do to atmospheric carbon dioxide?

  They don't change its concentration
• What are the barriers to reducing carbon footprints?

  • Scientific factors: Disagreement on climate change
  • Economic factors: Concerns about economic development
  • Political factors: Different opinions on actions
  • Social factors: Resistance to lifestyle changes
• Why do scientists struggle to make advances in climate change?

  They don't agree on causes and consequences
• What do many governments fear regarding changes to reduce carbon footprints?

  That it may restrict economic development
• Why do countries hesitate to sign international agreements on climate action?

  Due to uncertainty about other countries' actions
• What social factor affects progress in reducing carbon footprints?

  Resistance to lifestyle changes in developed countries
• How does education impact societal progress in reducing carbon footprints?

  Uneducated societies may not progress