Unit 5.11: Ecological Footprints

Ecological Footprint

measure of how much a person/group consumers, expressed in area of land (gha - global hectare) which is a biologically productive hectare (2.47 acres) OR in “number of earths” required if the entire world consumed the same level of resources as a given individual or group

Carbon Footprint

measured in tonnes of carbon dioxide produced per year

Factors that increase footprint

affluence, meat consumption, fossil fuel usage

Factors that decrease footprint

renewable energy use, public transportation, plant-based diet; less consumption, travel, and energy use

5.1 Earths

average American’s ecological footprint

1.85 Earths

average global footprint