In the debate about carbon emissions, we often focus on cars and their role in global warming. But how many of us think about our own carbon footprint?
Let's make a comparison – how much CO₂ a person emits in a year and how much an average car with average mileage.
How much CO₂ does a person emit per year?
The average person emits 4-5 tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the atmosphere per year. This includes not only our exhalation (about 350 kg), but especially our lifestyle – energy consumption, transportation, eating habits and other daily activities.
To neutralize these emissions, it takes about 100-150 mature trees per year.
How much CO₂ does a car with average mileage emit?
If we consider a standard petrol car with average fuel consumption (around 7 l/100 km) and a mileage of 15,000 km per year, it will emit approximately 2.4 tonnes of CO₂ per year (at an average of 160 g CO₂/km).
To compensate for this emission, it will take 50-80 mature trees per year.
Who is the bigger polluter?
Surprisingly, an average person emits almost twice as much carbon dioxide as the car they drive! This means that even if we stop using private cars, our carbon footprint will remain significant.
What is the solution?
Sustainable lifestyles certainly help, but the best natural solution is planting trees. They are the natural filter of our planet – each mature tree absorbs between 10 and 50 kg of CO₂ per year.
Technological solutions for capturing CO₂
In addition to natural methods, some countries are investing in capturing carbon dioxide. The world's largest plant for capturing CO₂ from the air was opened in Iceland – “Mammoth”.
The UK also plans to invest nearly 29 billion dollars over the next 25 years to capture and store carbon emissions from industry.
To reduce our carbon footprint, it is enough to plant more trees, giving nature a chance to recover!
P.P. Planting at least one tree in your lifetime is no longer enough!