What is a carbon footprint?

A carbon footprint measures the total amount of greenhouse gases emitted, directly or indirectly, by an individual, organization, event, or product, typically expressed in terms of carbon dioxide equivalents. This includes emissions from various sources, such as energy use, transportation, product manufacturing, and agricultural activities. Understanding one's carbon footprint is crucial for identifying the environmental impact of our actions and making informed decisions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

In contrast, options referring to water usage, waste production, or agricultural land area do not capture the specific concept of greenhouse gas emissions, which is central to the definition of a carbon footprint. This distinction makes the understanding of carbon footprints essential in addressing climate change and pursuing sustainability initiatives.