In recent years, the cumulative effects of energy consumption, including global warming and environmental degradation, have reached an alarming state and have greatly hindered the development of society and the economy (Binga et al. 2011). A trend of consumption-based environmental demand per person from sustainable to unsustainable levels worldwide resulted in a global atmospheric increase in greenhouse gases (GHGs). To ensure the sustainable development, emissions must be reduced by calculating the carbon footprint. Carbon footprint is an index which is used to evaluate the effects on the environment caused by carbon dioxide emission due to the consumption of a particular person or a group (Zhao & Huang 2010). Carbon footprint is quantified by estimating GHG emissions and it can be reduced through a number of ways and technological developments (ASME 2009). Public policies can also play a vital role in reducing carbon footprints effectively.

The misuse of resources is one of the prime reasons behind the rapid increase in the carbon footprint of Pakistan in the last few decades. This paper aims to discuss the factors affecting the carbon footprints in Pakistan. Using energy efficient ways not only can help to reduce theemissions, but also minimize country’s fuel dependency on foreign oil, which may eventually lead to long-term sustainable resource consumption. Carbon footprint can also be reduced by promoting energy efficient technologies in energy, industrial, transportation and environment sectors, therefore a sustainable energy policy framework is necessary to help reduce GHG emissions.

The misuse of manufactured products impacts the environment greatly. This research draws that for enhancing sustainable development, government should encourage the industries to promote life cycle assessment (LCA) of products (Giljum et al., 2011) and associated by-products at all levels. Only by collectively addressing the multiple issues of energy inefficiency, unsustainable resource use, and GHGs emissions, an integrated solution can be obtained for minimizing carbon footprints. The paper will conclude by focusing on supporting policy initiatives for reduced GHG emissions and a comparison will be drawn between policies of neighbouring countries targeted for the purpose in the region to opt for viable integrated solutions for Pakistan. 

References:

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) 2009, “General position statement on technology and policy recommendations and goals for reducing carbon dioxide emissions in the energy sector”, Washington D.C., US.

Binga, Y. et al. 2011, ‘Research and Development of Carbon Footprint Analysis In
Hunan Province’, Energy Procedia, vol. 5, pp. 1210–1217.

Giljum, S. Burger. E. Hinterberger, F. Lutter, S. & Bruckner, M. 2011, ‘A comprehensive set of resource use indicators from the micro to the macro level’. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, vol. 55, pp. 300–308.

Zhao, R. & Huang, X.  2010, ‘Carbon Emission and Carbon Footprint of Different Land Use Types Based on Energy Consumption of Jiangsu Province’, Geographical Research, vol. 9, pp. 34-37.