The Green Investment Corporation
Carbon Footprint
Carbon footprint
A carbon footprint is the total greenhouse gas emitted by an individual or organization measured in metric tonne (MT) carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). Greenhouse gases, including the carbon-containing gases carbon dioxide and methane, can be emitted through the burning of fossil fuels, land clearance and the production and consumption of food, manufactured goods, materials, wood, roads, buildings, transportation and other services. In most cases, the total carbon footprint cannot be calculated exactly because of inadequate knowledge of data about the complex interactions between contributing processes, including the influence of natural processes that store or release carbon dioxide.
Prior to the Industrial Revolution, emissions were very low. Growth in emissions was still relatively slow until the mid-20th century. In 1950 the world emitted 6 billion tonne of CO2. By 1990 this had almost quadrupled, reaching more than 22 billion tonne. Emissions have continued to grow rapidly; we now emit over 34 billion tonne each year. Although emissions growth has slowed over the last few years, they have yet to reach their peak. In the United Kingdom the average CO2 emission per person is an estimated 12.7 tons per year.