Which of the following is a method of reducing the carbon footprint in energy consumption?

Implementing renewable energy sources is an effective method for reducing the carbon footprint in energy consumption because these sources—such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal—do not produce carbon dioxide emissions during their operation. By transitioning from fossil fuels, which release significant greenhouse gases when burned, to renewable energy, we can significantly reduce the amount of carbon dioxide entering the atmosphere. This shift not only helps mitigate climate change but also promotes a more sustainable energy future.

Fossil fuels are a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and relying on them as the exclusive energy source would increase the carbon footprint. Similarly, increasing reliance on electric power plants does not inherently reduce emissions unless those plants primarily use renewable energy. Reducing energy efficiency measures would lead to increased energy consumption and, consequently, higher emissions, contradicting the goal of minimizing the carbon footprint. Therefore, the implementation of renewable energy sources stands out as a clear and effective strategy for achieving this objective.