1.
Introduction
• A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs),
especially carbon dioxide (CO₂), emitted directly or indirectly by an
individual, organization, product, or activity.
• Measured in CO₂ equivalents to account for other gases (CH₄, N₂O, etc.) that
have higher global warming potential.
2. Key Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) in Carbon Footprint
• Carbon dioxide (CO₂): From fossil fuel combustion, deforestation.
• Methane (CH₄): From agriculture (rice fields, livestock), landfills, natural
gas leaks.
• Nitrous oxide (N₂O): From fertilizers, industrial processes, combustion.
• Fluorinated gases (CFCs, HFCs, PFCs, SF₆): From refrigeration, industrial
use.
3. Types of Carbon Footprint
1. Primary Carbon Footprint
o Direct emissions from burning fossil fuels (e.g., driving a car,
electricity use at home).
2. Secondary Carbon Footprint
o Indirect emissions from the lifecycle of products (manufacturing,
transport, disposal).
o Example: Emissions embedded in food, clothing, gadgets.
4. Sources of Carbon Footprint
• Household Energy Use: Electricity, heating, cooling.
• Transportation: Cars, buses, trains, flights.
• Food Consumption: Meat (esp. beef/lamb) has higher footprint than plant-
based food.
• Goods & Services: Clothing, electronics, packaging.
• Industrial & Agricultural Activities.
5. Measurement of Carbon Footprint
• Measured in kg or tonnes of CO₂e per year.
• Tools & Standards:
o Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
o Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol
o Carbon calculators (online tools by WWF, EPA, etc.)
6. Global and National Perspectives
• Global Average: ~4.7 tonnes CO₂e per person per year (2023).
• India’s Average: ~2.0 tonnes CO₂e per person per year (much lower than
USA ~14 tonnes).
• Industrialized nations contribute more, developing nations less.
7. Impacts of High Carbon Footprint
• Global warming & climate change.
• Melting glaciers, rising sea levels.
• Extreme weather events (heatwaves, floods, cyclones).
• Biodiversity loss, ecosystem imbalance.
• Human health risks.
8. Ways to Reduce Carbon Footprint
1. Energy Efficiency: Use LED lights, energy-efficient appliances.
2. Renewable Energy: Solar, wind, hydropower instead of coal/oil.
3. Sustainable Transportation: Public transport, cycling, EVs, carpooling.
4. Dietary Changes: Reduce red meat consumption, avoid food waste.
5. Waste Reduction: Recycle, reuse, compost.
6. Afforestation: Plant trees, protect forests.
7. Policy Measures: Carbon tax, emissions trading, stricter environmental
regulations.
9. Conclusion
• Carbon footprint is a critical metric to understand and mitigate climate
change.
• Individual lifestyle choices, corporate responsibility, and government
policies all contribute to reducing it.
• Moving towards net-zero carbon emissions is essential for sustainable
development.
Kyoto Protocol
Introduction
The Kyoto Protocol, adopted in 1997 in Kyoto, Japan and enforced in 2005,
was the first international treaty under the UNFCCC to set legally binding
targets for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It recognized that
developed countries are historically responsible for most emissions.
Objectives & Principles
Its main aim was to reduce global warming by lowering GHG levels. The
guiding idea was Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) —
developed nations must cut emissions, while developing nations like India
and China had no binding targets.
Commitment Periods
• First Period (2008–2012): Cut emissions by 5.2% below 1990 levels.
• Second Period (2013–2020): Extended through the Doha Amendment,
though not widely ratified.
Mechanisms
Kyoto introduced market-based mechanisms:
• Clean Development Mechanism (CDM): Developed countries fund
projects in developing nations.
• Joint Implementation (JI): Projects between developed nations.
• Emission Trading: Buying and selling of carbon credits.
India’s Role
India had no mandatory targets but benefited greatly from CDM projects,
attracting investments in renewable energy and clean technology.
Significance and Limitations
The Protocol was historic as the first binding climate treaty and it created
the carbon credit market. However, its impact was limited — the USA never
ratified, developing countries had no obligations, and global emissions still
rose. It eventually paved the way for the Paris Agreement (2015), which
included all countries.
