# 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

## 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

- [carbon footprint](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/carbon-footprint)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-reducing-the-carbon-footprint-2b16f3c4) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.