Ecological footprint (hectares per person) Proportion relative to world average footprint Proportion relative to world area available Nation Bangladesh 0.7 0.3 (0.7 + 2.7) 0.4 (0.7 + 1.8) Tanzania 1.2 Colombia 1.8 Thailand 2.4 Mexico 3.3 Sweden 5.7 United States 7.2 World average 2.7 1.0 (2.7 + 2.7) 1.5 (2.7 + 1.8) Your personal footprint (see Question 4)
Mathis Wackernagel and his colleagues at the Global Footprint
Network continue to refine the method of calculating
ecological footprints—the amount of biologically productive
land and water required to produce the energy and natural resources
we consume and to absorb the wastes we generate.
According to their most recent data, there are 1.8 hectares
(4.4 acres) available for each person in the world, yet we use
on average 2.7 ha (6.7 acres) per person, creating a global
ecological deficit, or overshoot (p. 4), of 50%.
Compare the ecological footprints of each nation listed in
the table. Calculate their proportional relationships to the world
population’s average ecological footprint and to the area available
globally to meet our ecological demands.
Based on the data in the table, how do you think average
per capita income is related to ecological footprints?
Name some ways in which you believe a wealthy society
can decrease its ecological footprint.
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