Carbon footprint

• what is a carbon footprint?

  total amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted over the full life cycle of a product, service or event
• what actions can be taken to reduce a carbon footprint?

  • increased use of alternative energy supplies
  • energy conservation
  • carbon capture and storage where CO2 is trapped in solvents and stored underground
  • carbon taxes and licences
  • carbon neutrality - zero net release
  • carbon off-setting including through tree planting
• what are the problems of reducing the carbon footprint?

  • scientific disagreement over causes and consequences of global climate change
  • lack of public information and education
  • lifestyle changes
  • economic considerations
  • incomplete international cooperation