A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases produced by a person or other entity. Climate change, caused mainly by human activities both direct and indirect, has resulted in changes in global temperatures. The larger the carbon footprint, the more a person or other entity is contributing to climate change. To keep global temperatures from rising beyond 1.5°C, the global average carbon footprint must drop to under 2 tons per person by 2050. Currently, the average person in the UK has an estimated carbon footprint of 13 tons, and to reach the goal by 2050, carbon footprints must drop to zero by the year 2050.
What is a carbon reduction plan?
A way in which a business can manage their carbon footprint is by implementing a carbon reduction plan into their business operations. This plan involves measuring carbon emissions and therefore putting steps in place to mitigate their emissions. For example, businesses can work with suppliers who share similar environmental values and/or transition to renewable energy sources. It is important to establish the cost and implications of introducing these plans as they can financially weigh the company down. This can be done by calculating the timeline for implementation and the impact on existing operations. Once procedures have been put in place, the company can be more environmentally friendly as well as potentially be on track to be Net Zero by 2050.
As an individual, you can reduce your carbon footprint by measuring your everyday actions against your environmental impact. For example, switching from driving a personal car to using public transport and discarding of food waste responsibly to ensure it does not go to landfills, these examples are simple yet effective ways to make a difference.
