# Explain why reducing the carbon footprint of a country is difficult, even when governments and scientists agree it is necessary.

> AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462) — 4.9.3 Common atmospheric pollutants and their sources · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Reducing carbon footprint often requires using alternative energy sources or cutting fossil fuel use, which is more expensive (than conventional methods / fossil fuels)
2. Reducing travel or transportation is difficult because people and industries depend on it / it is not always practical to reduce
3. Planting more trees (to absorb CO₂) uses land that could otherwise be used to grow crops (food)
4. Global action requires international agreement / individual countries may be unwilling to reduce emissions if it affects their economy or development

## 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-383cdc0b) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.