A Critical Tool in Climate Change Mitigation: Understanding Carbon Footprinting by International Carbon Markets Institute
by International Carbon Markets Institute Carbon footprinting, the process of quantifying the total greenhouse gas emissions caused directly and indirectly by a product, person, organization, or nation, is a critical component in the science and policy of climate change mitigation. Discerning its dimensions, applications, and potential pitfalls can pave the way for more informed decisions and strategies in combating climate change. Carbon footprinting as a concept is rooted in the principles of life cycle assessment (LCA), an approach that examines the environmental impacts associated with all stages of a product’s life, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal. By applying this approach to the domain of greenhouse gases, carbon footprinting offers a comprehensive view of the emissions associated with any activity or entity. The granularity and scope of a carbon footprint can vary depending on the goal of the assessment. It can encompass the emissions from a si...