Why Carbon Matters

Data is central to the sustainability transition, much like how it played a pivotal role in the development of the three-point seatbelt. The story of the gradual adoption of the seatbelt shows how years of data gathering and analysis influenced public perception and legislative action, and ultimately saved lives. In the battle against climate change, data is equally crucial for driving progress and transforming societal practices. It’s through the measurement and analysis of carbon emissions that we can effectively plan for a more sustainable future.

Carbon is at the heart of climate change, and we “consume” it in almost every aspect of life, often without realising. Carbon calories are a way of understanding our impact by measuring the amount of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases emitted through our activities. Everything from the food we eat to the transportation we use leaves a carbon footprint. By tracking carbon calories, much like we track food calories, we can make more informed decisions to reduce emissions, both in our personal lives and at larger organisational levels.

Measuring carbon emissions is the foundation of any effort to reduce them. Just like you need to know how many calories you’re consuming to manage your diet, you need accurate carbon data to know where reductions can be made. Tools like Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) measure carbon across the entire process, from production to disposal. For example, a morning coffee contributes around 350g of carbon dioxide equivalent, but that figure includes everything from growing the beans to disposing of the cup. By understanding these measurements, businesses and individuals can identify the main sources of emissions and make targeted efforts to decarbonise.