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The Ecological Footprint The Footprint measures human impact on nature. In order to live, people consume what nature offers. So, every one of us has an impact on our planet. This is not bad so long as we don't take more from the Earth than it has to offer. But are we taking more than we should? The Ecological Footprint measures what we consume of nature. It shows how much productive land and water we require to produce all the resources we consume and to take in all the waste we make. How big is your footprint? The average American uses 25 acres to support his or her current lifestyle. This corresponds to the size of 25 football fields put together. In comparison, the average Canadian lives on a footprint 25 percent less, and the average Italian on 60 percent less. How much can nature provide? Nature provides an average of 5.5 acres of bioproductive space for every person in the world. With a global population of 10 billion projected for the year 2050, the available space for each of us will be reduced to 3 acres. Human beings should also make room for the 25 million other species that now populate our planet. Already, humanity's footprint may be over 30 percent larger than what the world has to offer, as human beings consume more than what nature can provide. What can we do? We can become part of the sustainability movement and make it possible for everybody to secure their quality of life within the means of nature. Also, we can better use the resources available to us, for example, by using energy-efficient lamps or by composting. We can consume less by having fewer children, buying fewer cars and using fewer disposable products. We'll have less clutter and we'll be able to afford more spare time. This future-friendly lifestyle will make our lives better. Redefining Progress.
"The Ecological Footprint" |
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