Assessing the Carbon Footprint: Key Principles and Local Case Studies Based on Questionnaire Data

Abstract

Due to growing concerns about global climate change and the role of carbon emissions as a contributing factor, numerous companies and organizations are initiating "carbon footprint" projects to assess their contributions to global climate change. This study aims to employ a comparative research design to investigate carbon footprint patterns within the Sulaymaniyah city of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. To achieve this, survey samples were collected from strategically selected urban and rural locations. The questionnaire was structured into four main sections. Demographics, household activities, transportation, and lifestyle choices. Analysis reveals diverse carbon footprints across households, averaging 27.21 units, with transportation emissions at 15.34 units and lifestyle emissions at 54.61 units per household. Nationally, the per capita emissions in Iraq are 22.62 units, with air travel notably contributing 25.32 units. Demographic comparisons between urban and rural regions show clear differences in age, education levels, and occupations, pointing to significant demographic divides. Urban and rural areas differ markedly in environmental impacts; urban areas tend to have lower carbon footprints but higher overall emissions. This variation stems mainly from lifestyle and transportation differences, with urban areas facing unique environmental challenges despite having similar emission levels in certain categories.