Clearer footprints

Climate change is probably the biggest threat facing our planet and way of life, yet changing our behaviour and reducing our carbon footprints is somehow a difficult step to take. Governments, communities and individuals all have a responsibility towards achieving this goal and could all be working together for the public benefit. Most of us are aware of the headline areas in our footprints - particularly around energy and its use in transport, heat and light, but the carbon footprints of goods and services are less well known. The food we eat can account for a fifth of our carbon footprints but it's not easy making the right decisions: helping consumers realise the impact their purchases are having on climate change will enable them to make informed choices. Governments have a role in helping individuals to reduce their carbon footprints by working with the food industry and ensuring each product is marked with its carbon footprint.