By a GHG and Climate Risk Specialist at Peterson Technologies
Every day, invisible forces are reshaping our planet. They’re not in plain sight, yet their impact is felt everywhere—from the storms that batter our coastlines to the shifting seasons farmers can no longer predict.
At the heart of this transformation lies one key culprit: greenhouse gases (GHGs).
But what are they, really? Why do they matter so much? More importantly, what can businesses do about them?
At Peterson Technologies, we believe that knowledge is power—and action is impact. That’s why we’ve built not just solutions, but a platform that helps companies lead the way toward a low-carbon future.
What Are Greenhouse Gases—and Why Should We Care?
Greenhouse gases are compounds—such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O)—that trap heat in Earth’s atmosphere. They absorb solar energy and prevent it from escaping back into space. This natural process, known as the greenhouse effect, is essential for maintaining life on Earth.
However, human activities have altered this balance. Through deforestation, industrial processes, transportation, and agriculture, we have significantly increased GHG concentrations, pushing the planet’s climate systems into a state of disruption.
The consequences are now well-documented:
- Rising global temperatures
- Melting glaciers and rising sea levels
- Increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events
- Threats to biodiversity and natural ecosystems
Every industry, from manufacturing and agriculture to logistics and energy, contributes to the problem, but each also has a role in the solution.
The Carbon Budget is Running Out
To prevent global temperatures from rising more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, scientists estimate a global carbon budget of approximately 2.8 trillion metric tons. We have already consumed more than 80% of that limit.
This means that the time to act is now. Reducing emissions is not only a regulatory imperative, but a business necessity.
Are you measuring your carbon footprint accurately? If not, the first step to action is understanding where you stand.
Sources of Emissions: A Global Responsibility
Greenhouse gases are emitted through nearly every stage of industrial and commercial activity:
- Industrial manufacturing and processing
- Energy production and consumption
- Transport and supply chains
- Agricultural operations
- Building operations and construction
While the sources are diverse, the path forward is shared. With the right tools and incentives, these sectors can significantly reduce their emissions and contribute to a more sustainable economy.
Technology Exists—The Time Is to Implement
The technologies to reduce emissions already exist:
- Switching from fossil fuels to renewable energy
- Enhancing energy efficiency in operations
- Pricing carbon to reflect its true cost
- Conserving forests and natural carbon sinks
- Developing and deploying carbon capture and storage systems
According to the IPCC, if widely adopted, these actions could account for up to one-third of the reductions needed by 2030. But the first and most critical step is measuring emissions accurately and consistently.
You Can’t Reduce What You Don’t Measure
Accurate measurement is the foundation of any serious climate strategy. Without a clear understanding of your emissions, broken down by scope, source, and geography,there is no way to implement effective mitigation.
That’s why Peterson Technologies developed Carbon Track: a centralized, intelligent system for tracking, managing, and reporting emissions.
Carbon Track,: Built for Accuracy, Speed, and Action
Designed to help organizations across all sectors quantify and manage their greenhouse gas emissions in a transparent, reliable way.
With Carbon Track, you can:
- Measure Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions across your entire operation
- Automate data collection and processing from multiple sources
- Visualize emissions trends through intuitive, real-time dashboards
- Generate audit-ready reports that align with GHG Protocol and CSRD standards
- Configure industry-specific modules for energy, transport, agriculture, and more
It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Carbon Track is customized to your business needs and fully operational in under one week.
Expert Support Beyond the Platform
Technology alone doesn’t solve climate risk. That’s why our clients receive full support from Peterson’s sustainability and GHG consultants, helping you:
- Design an emissions reduction roadmap
- Train internal teams on emissions data management
- Align with emerging frameworks like CSRD, SBTi, and GRI
- Prepare for third-party assurance and regulatory reviews
From technical onboarding to long-term climate strategy, we’re your partner every step of the way.
Climate Risk Is Business Risk—Make It Your Competitive Edge
The cost of inaction is growing. Investors, regulators, and customers are now demanding measurable climate accountability.
Companies that track and reduce emissions are:
- Gaining access to green financing
- Securing future market positions
- Meeting ESG requirements with confidence
- Becoming more resilient in the face of climate change
Carbon Track allows you to act with data, adapt with insight, and lead with impact.
Start Measuring What Matters
If your organization is ready to take measurable steps toward climate leadership, we’re here to help.
Peterson’s Carbon Track gives you the data, tools, and support to turn your sustainability vision into verifiable results.
Contact us today to request a tailored demo or learn more about our GHG services:
📧 ptech.commercial@onepeterson.com
🌐 Visit us at petersontechnologies.com