Ecological Footprint The Importance of Sustainability What is

Ecological Footprint The Importance of Sustainability

What is an Ecological Footprint? Definition “The simplest way to define ecological footprint would be to call it the impact of human activities measured in terms of the area of biologically productive land water required to produce the goods consumed and to assimilate the wastes generated. ” In other words, the impact of a person or community on the environment, expressed as the amount of land required to sustain their use of natural resources. http: //wwf. panda. org/about_our_earth/teacher_resources/webfieldtrips/ecological_balance/eco_footprint/

Measuring Ecological Footprints The scale used to measure ecological footprints is called “global hectares” When calculating ecological footprints, everything needed in order for survival is taken into consideration. Water Use Food Transportation Shelter Energy Use Clothing Waste

Countries with the Highest Ecological Footprints Why is Canada’s Ecological Footprint so “If thehigh? entire livedcountries like • world High-income have ecological Canadians do, it footprints 5 x larger would take 3. 5 than low-income Earths to support countries theliving demand” • High standards • Basic necessities, food, and housing make up 57% of the footprint • High fossil fuel use http: //www. worldatlas. com/articles/countries-with-the-largest-ecological-footprints. html

Reducing Ecological Footprints Canadians must reduce our ecological footprints. We can achieve this through the idea of sustainability. What are some ways we can do this? Transportation – carpool to and from school Diet – eat less meat and more vegetables Energy – turn off lights when they are not being used Water – take quicker showers Waste – reduce, reuse, and recycle

Now it is your turn to determine your ecological footprint!

How to use the Personal Eco-footprint Calculator Example: 70

After Completing the Personal Eco-Footprint Calculator… Go to Google Classroom Complete the “Ecological Footprint Analysis” assignment Due: Friday March 31 st, 2017