The carbon footprint is the total amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted over the full life cycle of a product, service or event. For a product, this includes making it, transporting it, using it and disposing of it.
We can reduce a carbon footprint by reducing emissions of carbon dioxide and methane. Actions to reduce carbon dioxide include using renewable energy such as wind and solar instead of fossil fuels, using public transport, walking or cycling, improving energy efficiency in homes and industry, and planting trees. Carbon capture and storage can also stop carbon dioxide reaching the air. Methane can be reduced by capturing it from landfill sites to use as a fuel, by reducing the amount of waste, and by changing the way livestock are fed and managed.
Actions may be limited. Renewable energy can be expensive to set up, and some sources are not always available. People may not want to change their lifestyle, some countries cannot afford new technology, and international agreement is hard to reach. Cars and homes are not always easy to replace, and it takes time for new trees to grow.