5.11 - Ecological Footprint

Question 1

Ecological Footprint

Answer 1

• Measure of how much a person/group consumes, expressed in area of land

Factors (land required for):
- food production
- Raw materials (wood, metal, plastic)
- Housing
Electricity production (Coal, Natural gas,
solar, wind, etc.)
- Disposing waste produced
(landfill space)

Question 2

Ecological Footprint vs Carbon Footprint

Answer 2

• Ecological Footprint: Measured in land (gha - global hectare) which is a biologically productive hectare (2.47 acres)
• Carbon Footprint: Measured in tonnes of CO2 produced per year
  - All CO2 released from an individual or groups consumption & activities
  - Material goods
  - Food production
  - Energy use (gasoline, heat, electricity)

Question 3

Factors that Affect Ecological Footprint

Answer 3

Increase:
- Affluence (wealth) increases carbon & ecological footprint
- Larger houses
- More travel (gas)
- More resources needed for material goods (cars, etc.)
- Meat consumption - more land, more water, more energy
- Fossil fuel usage (heating, electricity, travel, plastic)

Decrease:
- Renewable energy use (wind, solar, hydroelectric)
- Public transportation (less gas)
- Plant-based diet
- Less consumption, less travel, less energy use