carbon footprint

American  

noun

1. the amount of carbon dioxide or other carbon compounds emitted into the atmosphere by the activities of an individual, company, country, etc..

   the carbon footprint of an overseas flight;

   how to measure your carbon footprint.

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carbon footprint British  

noun

1. a measure of the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere by a single endeavour or by a company, household, or individual through day-to-day activities over a given period

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Etymology

Origin of carbon footprint

First recorded in 1995–2000

Example Sentences

Compared to conventional marine fuels, green methanol has a lower carbon footprint, cutting emissions by up to 65 percent, according to shipping firms.

From Barron's

There are tons of tradeoffs involved in reducing our global carbon footprint.

From MarketWatch

But methane still represents about three-quarters of the farm's carbon footprint, according to Walsh.

From Barron's

These all have some kind of carbon footprint, but have now been cut from the process.

From BBC

Giving up meat, especially beef, is one of the most effective ways to shrink one's carbon footprint: livestock production accounts for about 12 percent of global emissions, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization.

From Barron's