A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases (including CO₂) released into the atmosphere as a result of your activities. It’s usually measured in tonnes of CO₂-equivalent per year and includes everything from the energy you use at home, to transport, food, and the goods you buy.

This tool provides a simplified estimate using widely accepted emission factors. It’s designed for a quick lifestyle check and educational purposes, not for regulatory or offset trading. For a detailed assessment, consider using a full lifecycle calculator or consulting a specialist.

Typically, the biggest contributors are transportation (especially air travel and personal cars), home energy usage (heating, cooling, electricity), diet (meat‑heavy diets have a much higher footprint), and the production of goods we buy. The exact share varies per person.

Walk, bike, or use public transport when possible. Consider switching to an electric or hybrid vehicle. Reduce air travel and combine trips. Carpooling and working from home also help.

Meat and dairy production generate significantly more greenhouse gases than plant‑based foods. Beef and lamb are the highest emitters. Shifting to a more plant‑based diet can reduce your food‑related footprint by 50% or more.

The global average is around 4.5 tonnes CO₂ per year. However, there are huge differences between countries: the average American emits about 16 tonnes, while someone in a low‑income country may emit less than 1 tonne.

Trees absorb CO₂ as they grow, so planting trees can help offset emissions. A mature tree typically absorbs about 22 kg of CO₂ per year. To offset a 10‑tonne footprint, you’d need around 450 trees. However, reducing emissions directly is more effective than relying on offsets alone.

Carbon emissions drive climate change, which leads to extreme weather, rising sea levels, and biodiversity loss. Understanding your footprint helps you see where small lifestyle changes can make a big difference for the planet.