• Carbon footprint. A measure of the total amount of greenhouse gasses released into the atmosphere as a result of an individual’s, organisation’s, or nation’s actions. It’s usually measured in tonnes of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent). 

• Greenhouse gases (GHG). Any type of gas in the atmosphere that blocks heat from escaping. In relation to your carbon footprint and climate change, the main ones to mention are carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane. 

• The greenhouse effect. The process through which GHGs in the Earth’s atmosphere trap heat from the sun. Although this is a natural phenomenon that keeps the planet habitable, our GHG emissions are causing the Earth to warm up at an unnatural rate. 

• Climate change. A pattern of long-term change in the temperature and weather patterns either globally or regionally. Although these alterations occur naturally, man-made climate change is rapidly accelerating the pace of them. 

• Global warming. The rapid increase in average surface temperatures on Earth caused by the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. It is just one element of climate change. 

• Fossil fuels. Natural resources that produce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses when burnt. Coal, oil and natural gas are all examples. 

As we’ll see, these terms are all closely linked to the idea of a carbon footprint. What’s more, individuals, organisations, and nations can all do their bit to take responsibility for many of these factors. 

Making Climate Adaptation Happen: Governing Transformation Strategies for Climate Change - cover image

University of Groningen

University of GroningenMaking Climate Adaptation Happen: Governing Transformation Strategies for Climate Change

4 weeks

Nature & Environment,Politics & Society

IUCN Red List of Ecosystems: The Global Standard for Assessing Risks to Ecosystems - cover image

Deakin University

Dr Osama Bahnas thank you for your contribution to the discussion

Sustainable mobility is our greatest ally in the fight against climate change. When traveling short distances, you can always choose to walk or cycle. For other kinds of journeys, it is more advisable to use public transport or car sharing. When you have no other choice than to use your own car, you can always choose fuels formulated to improve the efficiency of your engine or opt for biofuels.

Wind turbines and solar panels

Tap into renewable energy sources

Technological development and the evolving energy mix mean that nowadays we can choose between a wide range of renewable energies. These include solar communities, sign up for a service that guarantees the use of wind energy, or moving to fuels created from biomass and organic waste.

Green leafs in the shape of footprints on soil

Calculate your environmental footprint

Calculating our carbon footprint helps us to identify the sources of greenhouse gas emissions that we have in our homes and come up with more efficient and sustainable habits for saving. There are carbon footprint calculators online that follow the same parameters as those used by United Nations.

A child and an adult planting a tree

Plant a tree

Global deforestation has been an important factor in the rise in carbon emissions. A tree is capable of eliminating between 330 and 7,700 pounds of CO2 throughout its life cycle, making it an accessible and affordable way of offsetting greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, reforestation is an accessible and economical way to contribute to offsetting greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, there are other Nature-Based Solutions such as wetlands or grasslands.

Two hands holding two different lightbulbs

Switch to LED lighting

By installing LED light bulbs we can reduce emissions by up to 40% without foregoing a quality lighting system. If on top of this the electricity is generated using renewable sources, this reduction can be even greater.

Key targets for 2030

The European Commision, within the framework of the European Green Deal, proposed to raise the GHG emission reduction target to at least 55% compared to 1990. The Commission is studying legislative proposals that include measures for increasing energy efficiency and renewable energy across all sectors to achieve this target.

Picto Medioambiente

At least a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (compared to 1990)

Pictograma de una hucha

At least a 32% share for renewable energy

Pictograma de un corazón y una constantes vitales

At least a 32.5% improvement in energy efficiency

Repsol projects aimed at reducing CO2

At Repsol, we are backing accessible, affordable and low-carbon energy. We want to play an important role in the fight against climate change by boosting the ecodesign, sustainability, and efficiency of our industrial products and processes, as well as the development of low-emissions energy businesses. With this goal, our Repsol Technology Lab applies innovation and technology to find solutions throughout our entire value chain.

CO2 as raw materialCO2 captureCO2 storageRenewable hydrogenEfficiency at facilities

Tanks and pipelines at a refinery

CO2 as a raw material for chemical products and new materials

We are working on technologies for converting captured CO2 to be used as a raw material in a wide range of opportunities, from polymer synthesis and obtaining synthetic fuels to incorporating it into construction materials.

This activity requires expert knowledge in the design of processes, products and applications. CCUS are a set of technologies promoted through EU directives as a way of achieving targets for reducing CO2.

Someone using the Waylet application on their cell phone

Repsol helps you get ahead in the decarbonization process

We have recently launched a voluntary emissions offsetting initiative, called Zero Net Emissions Commitment, which we manage through our innovative Waylet and Vivit applications. This way, every time a customer refuels at one of our more than 3,400 service stations and makes their payment using the Waylet application, they will have the option, on a voluntary basis, of offsetting 100% of the CO2 emissions generated by the consumption of that fuel by collaborating in reforestation projects.

Dr Osama Bahnas thank you for your contribution to the discussion