Climate tracking apps measure your carbon footprint. Here's how they work

Researchers have found that people often misjudge how their actions contribute to climate change, but can do better with more information. Apps are one way to learn more about emissions and build better habits. — AP

This idea of a carbon footprint comes up a lot in news coverage about personal climate impact.

The concept is simple: It includes anything that you add to planet-warming emissions, ranging from the gas consumed by your car to the energy required to produce the food you eat. Reducing your carbon footprint means contributing less of these gases to the atmosphere.