Carbon footprint as an indicator of the impact of the economy on the climate system

Abstract

The article is devoted to the issues of reducing the environmental impact in the aspect of atmospheric emissions of substances that can cause global climate change. The investigation is based on the assumption that halving carbon monoxide emissions by 2050 will reduce the increase in average surface temperature to the level of the pre-industrial stage of human development. In this aspect, the environmental protection activities are considered in accordance with international agreements in which the Russian Federation is involved.

It is proposed to use a carbon footprint as an indicator of the impact of humanity on the climate system, which cumulatively takes into account the greenhouse gas emissions as a result of human activity at the stages from the production of material goods to their consumption and subsequent disposal. The indicator is considered in two aspects: an estimate of direct emissions for which there is full control, and an estimate of indirect emissions that occur during the product life cycle and are less controlled.

A study of the carbon footprint arising from the activities of one of the Moscow universities was made as an example. The ratings were compared with the “Green Metric” rating. As a result, it was proposed to take into account additional indicators characterizing indirect emissions. Those studies allow us to develop and implement new programs aimed at reducing the environmental impact of an organization and increasing its energy efficiency.