Individuals, businesses and countries create greenhouse gas emissions in our daily lives. Emissions can be reduced through simple daily activities such as minimizing driving, using renewable electricity where possible, installing energy efficient light bulbs and purchasing food sourced close by rather than transported food.

Table 1 illustrates the average annual travel and household CO2 emissions for an individual. By adding relevant scenarios together it is clear how emissions can quickly add up. By working out an individual’s emissions, often referred to as our carbon footprint, and multiply it by country’s population the amount of CO2 emitted into the atmosphere is immense.

Carbon footprint minimization and the purchase of carbon credits to offset the remaining emissions is a common method for individuals and businesses to become carbon neutral.

This same basic principal of minimizing emissions and purchasing credits is the basis of the carbon market, from local through to international levels.

Average Carbon Dioxide Greenhouse Gas Emissions