Envr 1401 Lab 1 Calculating Ecological Footprints

Lab 1: Calculating Ecological Footprints (Due Monday, August 28^th)

Researchers at the Global Footprint Network continue to refine their method of calculating ecological footprints – the amount of biologically productive land and water required to produce energy and natural resources we consume and to absorb the wastes we generate. According to their most recent data, there are 1.71 hectares (4.23 acres) available per person in the world, yet we use on average 2.87 ha (7.09 acres) per person, creating a global ecological deficit, or overshoot (p. 6 of textbook), of 68%.

2.6 ecological footprint of Thailand divided by 2.9 ha world average footprint =0.9 proportion relative to the world average footprint

2.6 ecological footprint of Thailand divided by 1.7 ha available per person = 1.53 proportion relative to world area available

Mexico

2.6

2.6 ecological footprint of Mexico divided by 2.9 ha world average footprint =0.9 proportion relative to world average footprint

2.6 ecological footprint of Mexico divided by 1.7 ha available per person = 1.53 proportion relative to world area available

Sweden

6.5

6.5 ecological footprint of Sweden divided by 2.9 ha world average footprint =2.24 proportion relative to world average footprint

This is because of the emphasis on local food production, which means less footprint in transportation. Further, the number of cars registered nationwide was about 578,151 in 2022, indicating a minimal carbon footprint. Communal living also minimizes per capita consumption of resources. Finally, there is limited industrialization.

• Why do you think the ecological footprint is so large for people in the United States? (3 points)

The carbon footprint in the United States is high because people are likely to be individualistic. Thus, even with a high population, each house has a small population, which means a high per capita consumption of resources. Further, there are significantly more cars. The USA is also the second most industrialized nation.

• Go to an online footprint calculator such as the one at http://www.footprintnetwork.org/en/index.php/GFN/page/personal_footprint and take the test to determine your own personal ecological footprint. Enter the value you obtain in the table and calculate the other values as you did for each nation. How does your footprint compare to that of people from other nations? Name three actions you could take to reduce your footprint. (4 points)

My footprint is well above that of less developed nations but is below that of fellow people from USA. To reduce my footprint, I will;

First, start carpooling and using public transport more.

Second, increase my local foods intake and adopt a vegetarian diet.

Third, recycle more and minimize waste generation.