COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF CARBON FOOTPRINT CALCULATION METHODS

Carbon footprint is one of the key indicators of the environmental impact of human activities, particularly in the context of global warming and climate change. Accurate calculation of this indicator is essential for making sustainable environmental and economic decisions. This paper analyzes various methods for calculating the carbon footprint, including life cycle analysis, economic–ecological models, as well as emission measurement and empirical approaches. Through comparative analysis, the advantages and limitations of these methods are presented, along with their applicability across different sectors, from industry and transportation to individual consumption. The aim of this study is to provide a systematic review of existing methods and recommendations for selecting the most reliable and practical tools for carbon footprint assessment, contributing to the development of strategies to reduce negative environmental impacts.