What is carbon footprint?
Driving to the office, using electricity to heat up your house or going on a shopping spree are things that we take for granted. But they lead to the release of greenhouse gases like carbon and methane. Manufacturing of products, construction of buildings – activities that signify development also release greenhouse gases. The earth receives energy from the sun, and it emits excess energy into space. But greenhouse gases in the earth’s atmosphere absorb and trap the surplus energy. This leads to rising temperatures and increased heat.
Carbon footprint is measured as the total greenhouse gas emissions released into the atmosphere. It is measured in terms of carbon dioxide emissions (CO2). The carbon footprint of an individual, company or a nation can be measured.
Why does carbon footprint matter?
While we need some carbon dioxide (CO2) to keep the planet going, too much of it is not suitable for us. When there is too much carbon in the air, it results in many issues that can lead to disastrous results-
Disrupted weather patterns – There can be a rise in extreme weather patterns such as more flooding, more wildfires, etc., which can lead to destruction and loss to humankind.
Increased heat – Earth’s global average surface temperature in 2020 tied with 2016 as the warmest year on record, according to an analysis by NASA. Rising temperatures can lead to more intense heat waves and shifts in plant and animal habitats. In addition, some pests can thrive in warmer climates leading to large-scale damage to farms and vegetation.
Loss of ice levels and water issues – It leads to a decrease in snow cover, resulting in lower levels of freshwater. Higher temperatures lead to the melting of the ice reserves that can lead to a continuous rise of the sea levels.
Warming of oceans – Rising temperature of oceans and seas can disrupt marine life. It also results in rising sea levels that increase the risk of flooding of coastal areas during extreme weather. As a result, settlements around the coastline and even entire islands can be disrupted or destroyed, leading to the destruction of human life and economic losses.
In the USA, the biggest contributors to carbon emissions are:
| Transportation | 29% |
| Electricity generation | 25% |
| Industrial activities | 23% |
| Commercial and residential heating | 13% |
| Agriculture | 10% |
Source: https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/sources-greenhouse-gas-emissions
How can going solar reduce our carbon footprint?
We can play a part in reducing our carbon footprint by switching to solar. Homeowners in the USA can install solar solutions and reduce their carbon footprint as they will use lesser fossil fuels and also save a significant amount of money. Businesses and government organizations can install solar panels to generate energy, thereby reducing their carbon emissions.
GreenBrilliance can help you to switch to solar with our high-quality, turnkey solar solutions for families, businesses and the government. We also have a wide range of financing options that will help you reduce your carbon footprint and have peace of mind.
