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What is a carbon footprint and why is it important for climate and sustainability?

  • Pauta Py
  • Aug 8
  • 3 min read

In recent years, climate change has become a global concern.

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In recent years, climate change has become a global concern. Faced with this challenge, understanding key concepts such as carbon footprint becomes essential.


The carbon footprint is a way of measuring the impact our activities have on the planet, in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases we generate, especially carbon dioxide (CO₂) (GHG Protocol, 2024).


This calculation can be applied at many scales: an individual, a company, a product, or even a city. The footprint is measured in tons of CO₂ equivalent (tCO₂e) and also includes other gases that contribute to global warming, such as methane and nitrous oxide (IPCC AR6, 2023). Knowing how much we emit helps us make more environmentally responsible decisions.


To measure the carbon footprint, three types of emissions are typically considered: direct emissions, such as fuel use in cars or boilers (Scope 1); indirect emissions from electricity consumption (Scope 2); and emissions occurring throughout the value chain, such as business travel, transportation of inputs, or waste treatment (Scope 3) (GHG Protocol, 2024). Tools such as the GHG Protocol and ISO standards help standardize this measurement.


Why is it important to measure it? Because you can't improve what you don't measure. By understanding our footprint, we can identify where and how to reduce our emissions. This not only benefits the planet but can also mean economic savings and a better image for clients, partners, or investors. (GRI Standards, 2024) .


In the business world, the carbon footprint has become a key component of sustainability reporting. Organizations such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD ) recommend reporting it to demonstrate environmental commitment and manage climate risks (GRI, 2024) (TCFD, 2024). Today, many investors prioritize companies that are transparent on these issues.


Furthermore, measuring one's footprint is the first step toward participating in global climate initiatives, such as Science Based Targets (SBTi), which seek to reduce emissions in line with what science indicates is necessary to curb climate change (SBTi, 2024). These commitments are also a way to build trust and open doors to new markets.


The carbon footprint is also very important in so-called nature-based projects, initiatives such as reforestation, forest protection, or sustainable soil management, which capture or avoid carbon emissions (Verra, 2024). Quantifying this capture allows for the generation of carbon credits, which can then be sold or used to offset emissions.


These types of projects, in addition to protecting the climate, bring additional social and environmental benefits: they protect biodiversity, improve water quality, and create local jobs. Platforms such as Verra or Gold Standard certify these projects using methodologies based on precise footprint calculations (Verra, 2024).


In countries like Paraguay, with great natural wealth and potential for clean energy, measuring the carbon footprint can be an opportunity to lead sustainable development processes. It is also a key tool for implementing public policies, accessing climate finance, and building a greener economy (IPCC, 2023).


In short , the carbon footprint is not just a number: It's a powerful tool for understanding our impact and starting to change it. Whether through individual action, a business decision, or a community project, measuring and managing our footprint is a concrete step toward a more sustainable future.


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