With the increase in human activities and production areas, global warming has also gained great momentum. Global warming, which is the common problem of the whole world, is largely caused by the greenhouse effect. Greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere from different areas trap the solar heat and radiation reaching the earth and spread it over a wider area. In other words, greenhouse gases cause the earth to heat up more than the sun's rays passing through the ozone layer. Greenhouse gases, which are mainly caused by sulfur and nitrogen, emerge from many areas such as transportation, heating, industry and animal husbandry. These harmful gases, which leave indelible traces on the earth, bring the question "What is carbon footprint?". In simple terms, carbon footprint can be explained as the measured amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere. In other words, the sum of toxic gases circulating in the air is an indelible footprint left by humankind on the earth. While global warming is increasing so rapidly, the increase in environmental pollution brings to mind the question "Why is carbon footprint important?". The carbon footprint indicates the amount of gases that cause global warming. In other words, the more steps these gases take, the faster global warming accelerates. However, by learning what carbon footprint is and how it can be prevented, we can give nature an opportunity to renew itself.
What Can We Do to Reduce Our Carbon Footprint?
Carbon footprint is one of the biggest enemies of ecological balance. Even though it is invisible, we are actually very close to this factor, which has a great impact on the world. How? The cars we use every day to get to work or school are among the biggest sources of carbon footprints. Not only cars, but all areas that emit toxic gases, especially sulfur and nitrogen, are a major source of the greenhouse effect. If you are wondering "How to reduce the carbon footprint?", we can say that the source of these harmful gases must first be identified. Let us give you a clue; these gases are enemies of natural resources! In other words, resources such as coal, which take thousands of years to reappear in nature, are the most important cause of carbon footprint. In addition to this, various fuels used in transportation and industry also create a dense toxic gas waste after processing. These waste gases, which directly enter the atmosphere, cling to the air and condense. If you ask "What can be done to reduce carbon footprint?", we can say that small changes in habits are essential. Both individual and large-scale changes can greatly reduce the toxic gases released into the environment. The first areas to change are transportation, food, water use and energy consumption.
Transportation
The main source of carbon footprint is motor vehicles used for transportation. Motor vehicles, which often use fossil fuels for their operating systems, emit carbon every second. Add to this the personal vehicles that everyone sees as a necessity, and air pollution is inevitable. One of the most important ways to reduce carbon footprint is to change transportation habits. For example, how about using a bicycle for short distances in the city for a fun and eco-friendly journey? It's also a good idea to use public transportation instead of your private car to get to work or school every day!
Food
Meat has a special place in almost every culture. But meat, or animal production, is a major source of carbon footprint. Animal care releases large amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. In fact, the livestock sector accounts for 14.1% of the total amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. In addition to the livestock sector, the food and beverage industry is also crucial for living an eco-friendly life. The techniques and fuels used in the production of food reach the atmosphere directly through factory chimneys. At this stage, production facilities have a big task. Filtering chimneys and waste storage areas according to toxic gases and eliminating them with environmentally friendly methods offers a highly effective solution.
Water Use
In addition to factors such as eating and drinking, transportation and heating, water use also has a major impact on carbon emissions. To reduce the carbon footprint, it is essential to prevent unnecessary water use. In addition, the water sources to which drains and waste lines are connected become contaminated over time and begin to emit toxic and foul-smelling gases. In other words, water pollution or scarcity indirectly affects the formation of greenhouse gases.
Energy Use
Energy has an important place among the factors affecting carbon footprint. Low-calorie, low-quality fuels used in transportation, heating and industry emit greenhouse gases. Poor and unconscious energy use, which increases carbon dioxide emissions, directly increases the amount of carbon. Therefore, it is very important to reduce energy use. In addition, solar energy, which is the cleanest source, can be preferred to reduce carbon footprint in many areas.
Why is it Important to Reduce Carbon Footprint?
Carbon footprint is a global problem whose damages are endless. Carbon, which directly pollutes the air, increases global warming and disrupts the ecological balance. Carbon footprint, which is the most important cause of air pollution, also brings various health problems by reducing oxygen. In other words, we should reduce the amount of carbon not only for future generations but also for ourselves. It's not too late for a greener and more livable world and it's time to take a step, even a small one! By changing our consumption habits now, we can raise awareness and contribute to the world to reduce the amount of carbon.
How is Carbon Footprint Calculated?
We said that carbon footprint refers to the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere. So, how do you think carbon footprint is calculated? Actually, the answer to this question is quite simple. Carbon measurements made annually and in tons express the amount of carbon dioxide released. The volume of carbon dioxide that a person or action releases into the atmosphere is the equivalent of the carbon footprint. To put it in a simpler formula, the product of fuel consumption and emission factor gives the amount of carbon footprint. But this fuel is not only for transportation or heating, it can even be the calories we expend with every step.
