Explain why reducing the carbon footprint of a product is often difficult, even when people are aware of the need to do so.

AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462) — 4.9.1 The composition and evolution of the Earth's atmosphere · Explain · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (4 marks)

Reducing a product’s carbon footprint is often difficult because it can be more expensive than continuing current practices or using fossil fuels. It is also less convenient; for example, switching to alternative energy sources or cutting travel is less practical. Planting trees to absorb CO₂ competes with land needed for food production. Finally, the carbon footprint covers the full life cycle – manufacture, transport and disposal – so all stages must be addressed, making reduction complex.

Examiner tips

  • Use the word ‘because’ to link each reason to the main point.
  • Show the four points clearly, matching the mark scheme.
  • Use UK spelling and specific terms like ‘carbon footprint’, ‘life cycle’ and ‘alternative energy sources’.
  • Keep each point concise – 1–2 sentences per mark.

Common mistakes

  • Writing only one or two reasons, missing the full life‑cycle point.
  • Using vague phrases such as ‘hard to do’ instead of specific reasons like cost or convenience.
  • Mixing up ‘carbon footprint’ with ‘energy consumption’ or ‘greenhouse gases’ without linking to the product life cycle.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. Reducing carbon footprint can be more expensive (than continuing current practices / than using fossil fuels)
  2. It is more difficult / less convenient (e.g. using alternative energy sources or reducing travel is less practical)
  3. Planting trees (to absorb carbon dioxide) takes up land that could be used to grow crops / for food production
  4. The carbon footprint covers the full life cycle of a product, so all stages (e.g. manufacture, transport, disposal) must be addressed, making it complex to reduce

Key terms in this question

carbon footprint

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