Global Ecological Footprints
Have you ever wondered how sustainable anthropogenic (man-made)effects are on the planet? Calculating the human populations global ecological footprint and then comparing it to the earths capacity to sustain itself provides a dramatic example of how inefficient we are, and how energy intensive our needs are.
This assessment provides a graphic example of how collectively everyone is living beyond the means of the resources of the planet. Globally we require 1.3 earths to sustain our current lifestyles. For Australians we have one of the worst ecological footprints and are living far beyond the means of our planet. Per person we emit 26.5 tonnes of C02-e and if everyone on the planet lived like Australians do then we would need 4.2 earths to maintain ourselves.
The answer does not lie in pointing the finger at any one particular cause, and there is no one silver bullet that will fix the problem. There is is a growing need to recognise that we now live in a global community and that our individual lifestyles and product choices are having an effects on everyone via greenhouse emissions. The adage ‘Think Global Act Local’ will become a resonating mantra in the fight for climate change as individuals and business’s start acting with a greater awareness and sense of responsibility.
Those who engage in de-carbonising their lifestyle and purchasing offsets will be considered more socially responsible. They will be seen as part of a global community that is interested in arresting the negative effect we are having on the planet, not contributing to it. To learn more about Ecological Footprints go to www.footprintnetwork.org
Global Footprint Per Country
| America | 9.5 gha | 5.2 Earths |
| Australia | 7.7 gha | 4.2 Earths |
| United Kingdom | 5.4 gha | 3.0 Earths |
| New Zealand | 5.5 gha | 3.0 Earths |
| Germany | 4.5 gha | 2.5 Earths |
| China | 1.7 gha | .97 Earths |
| India | .79 gha | .44 Earths |
gha = Global Hectares required per person to provide energy requirement, food & water, and dispose of our waste.
Business & Personal Footprints
By calculating your personal, or business footprint, you can better relate to the issues on a global scale and understand with the importance of being accountable for your personal effect on the planet. Without an understanding and a greater awareness of the need to reduce our footprint the reason can get lost. Keeping a focus on the imbalance we are placing on our planets resources provides a global perpective to the importance of reducing the emmissions that we have some control over.
