In the journey toward sustainability, the terms “carbon footprint” and “biodiversity footprint” often come up, but they refer to two distinct ways of assessing environmental impact. Understanding these concepts is key to addressing the multifaceted challenges of climate change and ecological degradation. Let’s break them down.
What is a carbon footprint?
A carbon footprint measures the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with an activity, product, or organisation. These emissions are typically expressed in terms of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e), which account for the warming potential of different gases like methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O).
Examples of activities that contribute to an increased carbon footprint include:
- Energy use (e.g., electricity, heating, and fuel consumption)
- Transportation
- Industrial processes
- Supply chains and raw material extraction
Why it matters: Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, driving global warming and destabilising the climate. Measuring and reducing carbon footprints is essential for mitigating climate change and achieving targets like net zero.
What is a biodiversity footprint?
A biodiversity footprint assesses the negative impacts human activities have on ecosystems and species. Unlike the carbon footprint, which focuses on emissions, the biodiversity footprint considers factors that lead to habitat destruction, species extinction, and ecosystem degradation.
Examples of activities that contribute to an increased biodiversity footprint include:
- Land-use changes, such as deforestation for agriculture
- Overfishing and unsustainable resource extraction
- Pollution, including plastic waste and agricultural runoff
- Climate change, which exacerbates habitat loss and shifts ecosystems
Why it matters: Biodiversity underpins critical ecosystem services, such as pollination, water filtration, and carbon sequestration. The loss of biodiversity threatens food security, human health, and the resilience of natural systems.
Key differences
The carbon footprint primarily focuses on greenhouse gas emissions and is measured in CO2 equivalents (CO2e). It is driven by activities like energy use, transportation, and manufacturing and directly impacts climate change. In contrast, the biodiversity footprint assesses the health of ecosystems and species, with key drivers including land-use change, resource extraction, and pollution. While the carbon footprint addresses climate stability, the biodiversity footprint highlights ecosystem degradation and species loss.
The connection between carbon and biodiversity footprints
While these footprints are distinct, they are interconnected. For example, deforestation – a major driver of biodiversity loss – also releases vast amounts of carbon into the atmosphere. Conversely, restoring ecosystems like forests and wetlands not only supports biodiversity but also enhances carbon sequestration. Addressing one often benefits the other, making integrated solutions vital for sustainability.
Taking action
Understanding the difference between carbon and biodiversity footprints is a first step toward taking meaningful action. If you’re exploring different projects to invest in, here’s how you can strategically address each footprint:
For carbon footprints:
- Transition to renewable energy sources
- Optimise energy efficiency
- Support carbon offset projects that prioritise co-benefits for biodiversity
For biodiversity footprints:
- Adopt sustainable sourcing practices
- Reduce land-use impacts by supporting regenerative agriculture
- Invest in ecosystem restoration projects
At Atmoz, we recognise the importance of addressing both footprints. By helping companies measure, reduce, and offset their carbon emissions and encouraging investments in biodiversity-positive projects, we aim to support a more sustainable and resilient future.
Understanding and acting on these interconnected footprints is not just a corporate responsibility – it’s an opportunity to lead the way toward a healthier planet for generations to come.
