A simple and accessible definition
**A carbon footprint **(or climate footprint) is the total amount of **greenhouse gases (GHGs) **that our human activities emit into the atmosphere. These gases contribute to **global warming **and come from everything we produce, consume, use, and throw away.
The carbon footprint is generally measured in kilograms or tons of CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e), a standard unit that allows different greenhouse gases to be compared according to their effect on the climate.
Why do our everyday actions pollute?
It may come as a surprise to learn that **our food, waste, and digital entertainment **can have an impact on the climate. And yet...
H3: It all starts with energy and materials
Every product or service has a production history: resources had to be extracted, materials transformed, parts transported, assembled, distributed... All of this consumes energy, often from fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal).
Then, the use of an object or service (car, television, heating, etc.) continues to emit GHGs, and even the end of its life (recycling, incineration, landfill) contributes to the final impact.
Examples for a better understanding
Here are some examples of typical emissions, all relative to each other:
| Daily action | Approximate emissions |
|---|---|
| Eating 1 kg of local potatoes | ~0.2 kg CO₂e |
| Driving 10,000 km in a gasoline car | ~2 tons CO₂e |
| Watching one HD video per day for one year | ~50 kg CO₂e |
| Buying a new smartphone | ~60 to 80 kg CO₂e |
| The impact varies depending on individual choices: consuming locally, traveling less, using renewable heating, and avoiding waste make a real difference. |
Why do we talk about an "individual" footprint?
**The individual carbon footprint **of consumption takes into account:
- What you personally consume (transportation, food, energy, etc.)
- But also your share of public services (infrastructure, health, education, etc.)
This allows you to visualize **your direct and indirect contribution **to climate change and identify the most effective levers for action.
The role of the carbon footprint calculator
The test offered by Nos Gestes Climat translates all these impacts into a personalized estimate. By answering simple questions, you will see:
- Which aspects of your daily life pollute the most
- Comparisons with regional averages
- Advice on concrete actions you can take
This calculation also provides a better understanding of the orders of magnitude that we rarely consider.
In summary
Your carbon footprint is the measurable sum of **your lifestyle choices **and consumption habits. Knowing what it is is the first step toward living a more sustainable life, consciously and without guilt.
**To go further: **
https://www.ge.ch/teaser/mon-climat/mon-climat
https://www.ge.ch/dossier/durabilite-climat
https://www.geneve.ch/themes/durabilite/climat/comprendre/empreinte-carbone