What is a carbon footprint?

A carbon footprint specifically measures the total amount of greenhouse gases emitted by an individual, organization, or activity, with those emissions expressed in terms of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). This approach allows for the aggregation of various greenhouse gases, each of which has a different global warming potential, into a single, comparable figure that represents their collective impact on climate change.

By focusing on greenhouse gas emissions, the carbon footprint emphasizes the relationships between energy consumption, resource usage, and environmental impact. It helps individuals and organizations understand their contributions to climate change and identify areas for reduction or improvement.

The other options reference related concepts but do not capture the full definition of a carbon footprint. For example, total energy consumption is relevant but does not account for the specific emissions associated with that energy use. Sustainable living is broader, encompassing various practices beyond just emissions. Lastly, while product labels can inform consumers about environmental impact, they do not directly define what a carbon footprint is.