Counting Carbon, Saving the Planet

October 2023
MIT Technology Review

Counting Carbon, Saving the Planet

Introduction

Dive into the world of carbon accounting with Billy Scherba, a superhero in the guise of a vice president, who's on a mission to combat climate change from the spreadsheets up! In this MIT Technology Review article, discover how Scherba and his team at Persefoni are guiding companies through the jungle of their carbon footprints, using everything from business flights to utility bills, to paint a greener future. It's not just about counting beans, it's about counting carbon!

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Why It Matters

Discover how this topic shapes your world and future

Charting the Future with Carbon Counting

Imagine a world where every company knows exactly how much it's contributing to climate change and has a clear plan to reduce those emissions. That's the goal of carbon accounting, a field that's not just about numbers but about shaping a sustainable future. As a carbon accountant, you're like a climate detective, uncovering the hidden impacts of business activities and guiding companies to be more eco-friendly. This matters because climate change is a global challenge, affecting everything from weather patterns to food supply. By understanding and reducing their carbon footprints, companies can make a real difference. For you, this could mean a future career that's not only in demand but also makes a positive impact on the world. How cool is that?

Speak like a Scholar

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Carbon footprint

The total amount of greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide and methane) that are emitted by our actions or by different sectors of the economy.

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Greenhouse gas protocol (GHGP)

A comprehensive global standardized framework for measuring and managing greenhouse gas emissions.

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Decarbonize

The process of reducing carbon dioxide emissions through the use of low carbon power sources and technologies.

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Sustainable development

A method of using resources in a way that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

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Emissions

The act of releasing substances (in this case, greenhouse gases) into the atmosphere.

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Data infrastructure

The foundational structures and services that support the collection, storage, and analysis of data.

Independent Research Ideas

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The role of technology in carbon accounting

Investigate how advancements in technology (like AI and blockchain) are revolutionizing the way companies track and reduce their carbon emissions. This could lead to fascinating discoveries about the intersection of tech and environmental sustainability.

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Comparative analysis of carbon footprints

Explore the carbon footprints of different industries or products to understand which areas have the highest environmental impacts and why. This could shed light on where efforts to reduce emissions could be most effective.

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Psychology of environmental responsibility

Delve into how understanding the psychology behind corporate and individual environmental responsibility can lead to more effective strategies for reducing carbon footprints. This can reveal how attitudes and behaviors towards climate change can be shifted.

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Sustainable development goals and carbon accounting

Examine how carbon accounting practices align with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. This can highlight the role of businesses in achieving global sustainability targets.

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The future of carbon accounting standards

Investigate the evolution and potential future developments of carbon accounting standards. This could uncover how regulatory changes might shape the future of environmental reporting and corporate responsibility.