Q.37 Which of the following statements about carbon footprint is INCORRECT?
- AManufacturing and transportation of consumer goods form a part of the secondary carbon footprint.
- BCarbon footprint is of the following three types: primary, secondary and tertiary.Correct
- CIf you choose to walk or cycle, you lessen your carbon footprint.
- DIf you prefer to drive all the time, your carbon footprint will be higher.
Solution
Concept
Carbon footprint has two types: primary (direct) and secondary (indirect).
Step-by-step solution
1. Primary carbon footprint = direct CO₂ emission from burning fuel, e.g. driving a car or using a home heater. 2. Secondary carbon footprint = indirect CO₂ emission from the full life cycle of goods we use, e.g. their manufacturing and transport. 3. Check A: making and transporting goods is indirect emission, so it is secondary. A is correct. 4. Check B: it says there are three types (primary, secondary, tertiary). There is no standard 'tertiary' type. B is incorrect. 5. Check C and D: walking or cycling cuts fuel use, and driving all the time raises it. Both are correct. 6. So the INCORRECT statement is B.
Explanation
Carbon footprint is divided into only two types, primary (direct) and secondary (indirect). There is no 'tertiary' carbon footprint, so statement B is wrong. The other statements are true.
Why the other options are wrong
A: Correct statement, because manufacturing and transport are indirect (secondary) emissions. C: Correct statement, because walking or cycling burns no fuel and lowers the footprint. D: Correct statement, because driving burns more fuel and raises the footprint.
Shortcut
Remember 'two types only': direct = primary, indirect = secondary.
Common mistake
Assuming there is a 'tertiary' type because many classifications have three levels.
Correct answer: B) Carbon footprint is of the following three types: primary, secondary and tertiary.