Ecological Footprints (UNIT 1)

What is an ecological footprint?

The environmental impact of an individual or group, measured in terms of how much land, water + resources are used by that individual or group

People who eat meat have a much larger ecological footprint than people who eat a mostly vegetarian diet. Explain why.

Livestock needs more resources to raise than plant-based foods.

People in ____ countries have much larger ecological footprints than ____ countries.

Developed, developing

What role does population size play in a country’s ecological footprint?

Each person has their own footprint. All else being equal (levels of consumption, etc.) larger populations mean a larger footprint.

Currently, when is Earth Overshoot day? What is it?

Varies; estimated day where humans use resources than available