Carbon footprint is the number of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere as a result of human activities. Some greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and water vapor. Greenhouse gases harm the environment and climate change. When released into the air, the gases can trap the heat, which can cause air pollution. A tremendous amount of carbon that is trapped in the atmosphere can result in global warming. Global warming is the Earth’s temperature rising due to a large number of greenhouse gases. A negative effect of climate is the polar ice caps melting and rising sea levels. Statistics by the EPA showed that transportation, trains, cars, and airplanes accounted for 28.9 percent of greenhouse gases in 2017. Carbon dioxide is the main gas that contributes to air pollution due to our carbon footprint. The gas is released when fossil fuels are burned, including oil, natural gases, and coal. When you think of carbon dioxide being in the atmosphere, you will only think about the negative impact. However, it can be beneficial. For instance, we breathe in oxygen, and to get oxygen, plants need the carbon dioxide we exhale to perform photosynthesis. However, a large amount of carbon dioxide released into the air in a short amount of time results in global warming. Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere can increase water-use efficiency in crops and migrate yield losses due to climate change. The positive effect of this is maintaining a balance between nitrogen and carbon and minimizing nutrients.
Human activities that contribute to carbon footprint
Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution starting in Europe, the carbon dioxide level is increasing each year. Many human activities have an impact on our carbon footprint. As stated before, the main contributor to carbon footprint is the burning of fossil fuels. Another chart by the EPA in 2019, transportation contributes 29%, electricity contributes 25%, industry contributes 23%, commercial and residential contributes 13%, and agriculture contributes 10% of the carbon footprint. The total carbon emissions in 2019 equaled to 6558 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. Our cars, trucks, ships, trains, and airplanes use gasoline and diesel for transportation, the fossil fuels burning of these are 90%. About 62% of our electricity comes from fossil fuel burning and is the second-largest contributor. Industry is the factories that produce products and food, the raw materials are mixed with chemicals to produce goods. Huge businesses and houses use the heat from the fossil fuels burning for energy. Finally, agriculture can include livestock, soil, and other food production. Though it is a minor contributor to carbon footprint, it still has a significant impact.
How to reduce our carbon footprint
Transportation is our most prominent contributor to carbon footprint, therefore reducing transportation can reduce carbon footprint. Instead of driving cars that use gasoline, try riding your bike or having a car that runs on battery. If your desired destination is closed, try walking instead of flying or taking a train as it results in carbon dioxide being released. If flying is necessary, riding economy class can take more people on one trip and is considered carpooling. Private planes are also a massive contributor to greenhouse gases as it takes a small amount of people but still releases a large amount of carbon. Turning off lights and appliances when not in use can save you electricity and gas bills and reduce carbon. These days, many houses have solar panels, which can help you save money in the long run and are also safe for the environment. It is common sense to reuse and recycle, but some people still throw away packaging or products that can be recycled. During quarantine, online shopping became extremely popular. Popular websites such as Shein are not safe for the environment. Fast fashion uses a large amount of greenhouse gases and electricity. When buying from companies or shops far from your location, you are increasing your carbon footprint. Consider buying clothes and accessories from local and nearby stores or products made in the country you live in. If we do not take action right now, will there even be a future for us?
Written by: Amber Truong
Sources
25+ Tips to Reduce Carbon Footprint from COTAP.org. (2020, July 7). COTAP.Org - Carbon Offsets To Alleviate Poverty. https://cotap.org/reduce-carbon-footprint/#:%7E:text=Avoid%20roof%2Dtop%20boxes%2C%20which,and%20increase%20your%20carbon%20footprint.
Osmanski, S. (2020, March 30). How Do Carbon Emissions Affect the Environment? Green Matters. https://www.greenmatters.com/p/how-do-carbon-emissions-affect-environment#:%7E:text=The%20amount%20of%20carbon%20emissions,side%20effects%20that%20are%20dangerous
Sources of Greenhouse Gas Emissions. (2021, April 14). US EPA. https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/sources-greenhouse-gas-emissions
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