" The term carbon footprint itself is a valid term.." Who told you that? Al Gore?
You don't get it. "Carbon Footprint" indicates that "Carbon" would be something bad, something you need to reduce, but "Carbon" is the source of all matter, and not the smog you see in the city...
So no ,"Carbon Footprint" is a 100% brainwashed Term for the Think Tanks created by Al Gore & Co.
Watch the 2 videos.
Peace ;)
https://www.luca1777.com/cool-2-be-conscious/