You have probably heard the term ‘carbon footprint’ often, especially in conversations about the environment. But what does it actually mean? Simply put, a carbon footprint is the amount of carbon dioxide produced by a person, a group of people, a community, a process or an event.
Every activity that involves burning fossil fuels such as using petrol, diesel and charcoal releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to what is known as the greenhouse effect.
A greenhouse is a structure where temperature and humidity are controlled to help plants grow optimally. Its transparent walls allow heat into the greenhouse but prevent it from escaping, keeping the inside warm.
In the same way, when gases like carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide are released into the atmosphere, they form a “blanket” around the Earth. This blanket traps heat, allowing sunlight in but stopping it from escaping. This phenomenon is known as the greenhouse effect.
This phenomenon has lasting effects on areas all around the world. For example, the trapped heat melts polar ice caps, causing sea levels to rise and making the oceans less salty. Over time, the rising sea levels can flood coastal areas, displacing communities and damaging ecosystems.
Even small increases in global temperature can have adverse effects. A rise of just 1°C can lead to frequent wildfires, heatwaves, coastal flooding, ocean acidification, heavy rainfall and a decline in biodiversity. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), greenhouse gas emissions are expected to continue rising, worsening the situation.
But there is hope and we can all take steps to better the environment in the following ways:
- Using public transport instead of driving.
- Carpooling with friends and family.
- Choosing energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances.
- Turning off electronics when they are not in use.
- Using reusable bags, bottles and containers.
- Planning meals and storing food properly to avoid waste.
- Supporting companies that prioritize sustainability.
Every small action adds up. The goal is to reduce the number of vehicles polluting the air, the amount of trash that ends up in dumpsites, the energy used for heat and light and the wastewater we produce in our daily life. At Soleil Solutions Africa, we offer the following services to support a greener world:
- GHG Inventory Quantifier for Organisations/Entities
- GHG Inventory Quantifier for Projects
- GHG Validation/Verification for Inventories
Visit the Greenhouse Gas Emissions section on our website to find out more.
Let’s work together to make sustainability a reality.
