Natural Factors
- Volcanic Eruptions → Release CO₂ and cooling aerosols.
- Solar Activity → Small impact compared to human-driven changes.
- Milankovitch Cycles → Orbital shifts cause ice ages (over 100,000s of years).
Human-Driven Causes
- Burning Fossil Fuels → #1 source of CO₂ emissions.
- Deforestation → Fewer trees = less CO₂ absorption.
- Agriculture & Waste → Methane from livestock and landfills.
Watch This: Kurzgesagt: Who Is Responsible for Climate Change?
Infographic: Global Carbon Project’s Emissions Breakdown
Carbon Footprints Explained: How Our Daily Choices Impact the Planet
A carbon footprint measures the total greenhouse gas emissions caused directly and indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product. It’s expressed in equivalent tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂e) and helps us understand our environmental impact.
Every time you take a car ride, eat a burger, or leave lights on, you’re adding to your carbon footprint, the total greenhouse gases you produce. Let’s break it down!
What Contributes to a Carbon Footprint?
Your footprint comes from:
- Transportation – Cars, planes, and buses burn fossil fuels.
- Food – Meat (especially beef) has a huge carbon cost due to methane from cows and deforestation for farms.
- Energy Use – Electricity from coal/oil = more CO₂.
Quick Fact:
- A hamburger’s footprint = driving 10 miles in a car!
- A round-trip flight from NY to London = 1 ton of CO₂ per passenger!
How to Calculate Your Footprint
Try this free tool:
