Ecopedia part 4
ByCarbon Dioxide (CO2)
Carbon dioxide is one of several greenhouse gases (GHG) that trap the sun’s radiation in the Earth’s atmosphere. Other GHS’s include methane, nitrous oxide, and water vapor. These gases can occur naturally. Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution approximately 150 years ago, the amount of carbon dioxide being produced by humans has increased tremendously. The amount of carbon dioxide is created from burning fossil fuels by generating electricity, burning fuels during transportation and industrial processes, and in our daily lives (both residentially and commercially). The natural resources like trees that usually process the carbon dioxide have been inadequate to handle the quantity of recent emissions. Consequently, more and more greenhouse gases are being trapped in the Earth’s atmosphere and elevating temperatures on Earth contributing to Global Warming. Sustainable practices must focus on a myriad of solutions to reduce emissions within the internationally agreed deadlines.
Carbon Footprint
A carbon footprint is “the total set of GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions caused directly and indirectly by an individual, organization, event or product” (UK Carbon Trust 2008). It’s a measure of the amount of carbon dioxide produced by a person, organization or location at a given time. A carbon footprint describes the environmental impact of carbon emissions measured in units of carbon dioxide.
Corporate Responsibility
Corporate responsibility, also referred to as corporate social responsibility, social responsibility, and sustainable development, is the concept that an organization has obligations not just to conduct its business ethically and adhere to legal guidelines, but also to consider the welfare of its employees, the environment, and society at large. In essence, corporate responsibility is the intentional inclusion of public interest and sustainable development in business decision-making by honoring a triple bottom line: People, Planet, Profit. Companies show their commitment to corporate responsibility in various ways – donating to charities, organizing community events, purchasing carbon offsets, sponsoring causes, or making a firm commitment to sustainability.
