Our carbon footprint – one of the most bandied-about pieces of jargon used in the campaign for the environment. What does it mean? Why is it important – indeed, is it? And if it is damaging the planet, can we all reduce ours? Ifor will be looking at the different strands of the argument about how we use our energy and what impact this might have on our future.
The Carbon Footprint
"We all have a carbon footprint which is created by the choices we make. If I choose to eat a tomato which has been flown in from Africa or Spain, that journey is going to release a vast amount of carbon dioxide, which becomes a part of my carbon footprint..."
Morgan Parry, WWF Cymru Wales
There is a 'blanket' of gases wrapped around the Earth which helps keep the planet warm and keep the sun's heat in. Carbon dioxide is an important part of this process – life on earth depends on it.
But our way of life produces far more carbon dioxide than we need to maintain life – tons too much every day.
A lot of it is produced by burning fossil fuels, e.g. coal, oil and gas, in our daily lives by using electricity, producing and buying goods and food, and driving cars.
This additional carbon dioxide intensifies the heating effect of the 'blanket' of gases around the Earth. This leads to over-heating and an increase in the temperature of the planet.
The effects could be catastrophic. Sea levels could rise and drown low-lying countries and coastal areas. The change in weather patterns could lead to great drought and famine. There is some evidence that such patterns are already developing.
Carbon Offsetting
"A lot of people have got the idea that you can create carbon, then if you plant some trees, that's fine. But I've got some bad news – it doesn't work like that.."
Lea Hughes, Coed Cadw Forestry
The principle of carbon offsetting is that you pay someone to save the same amount of carbon that you produce.
Offsetting projects include: planting trees, because trees and green plants absorb carbon dioxide naturally; and investing in efficient fuel technology or renewable energy projects.
But offsetting carbon does not reverse the effects of the carbon dioxide that has already been produced.
We need to reduce the amount of carbon which is produced in the first place. To see how you can do this on a personal level, visit www.energysavingwales.org.uk. On a wider platform why not write to your Welsh Assembly Government Member or your Westminster MP to ask what action they are taking on your behalf at a government level.
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