Unit 3 - Resource Consumption and Ecological Footprint

Resource consumption

The use of natural resources to meet human needs

Ecological footprint

The amount of land and water required to sustain an individual or population’s lifestyle and absorb its waste

Biocapacity

The ability of Earth’s ecosystems to regenerate resources and absorb waste

Overshoot

When humanity’s ecological footprint exceeds Earth’s biocapacity, leading to resource depletion

Sustainability

The use of resources in a way that meets present needs without compromising future generations

Carrying capacity

The maximum population that an environment can sustain without causing environmental degradation

Growing middle class

The growing sector of the population with disposable income, increasing consumption of energy, food and water

Consumerism

The culture of buying and consuming goods in large amounts, often beyond necessity

Energy security

A country’s ability to ensure reliable and affordable access to energy sources

Water security

The availability of sustainable, clean water for human and ecosystem needs

Food security

Access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food for a healthy life

Food insecurity

A lack of reliable access to enough food due to economic, environmental, or political factors

Renewable resources

Resources that can be generated naturally

Non-renewable resources

Resources that are finite and cannot be replaced in a human lifespan

Water footprint

The total volume of freshwater to produce goods and services consumed by an individual or community

Embedded water

The hidden water used in the production of goods and services

Carbon footprint

The total greenhouse gas emissions produced by an individual, organization, or country

Circular economy

A system that minimizes waste by reusing, recycling, and repurposing materials

Decoupling

Reducing environmental impacts while maintaining economic growth

Sustainable yield

The maximum rate at which a renewable resource can be used without depleting it

Carbon trading

A market based system where companies buy and set allowances to emit carbon dioxide

Tragedy of the commons

A situation where shared resources are overused and depleted because individuals act in their own self interest

Water-food-energy nexus

The interconnection between water, food, and energy security, where changes in one sector affect the others

Resource nationalism

When governments restrict the export of natural resources to prioritize domestic needs