Task 4. How big is your footprint?
In this folio task you will examine the ecological footprint both individually and at a national level.
1. Introduction
An introduction to your topic using examples and annotated diagrams.
ecological footprint
biocapacity
sustainable and unsustainable use of resources
ecological surplus and deficit
the impact on the availability of ecosystem services
2. Examine your personal footprint
The purpose/value of examining your EF
Calculate and analyse your own EF
Examine ways to reduce your EF (present in a table?)
3. Compare the EF of an LEDC with an MEDC
Compare and contrast the EF of an LEDC with an MEDC using tables and annotated diagrams.
Assess the sustainability of each country.
Evaluate effective strategies for reducing ecological impacts at a national scale.
Make sure you refer to:
biocapacity and deficit/surplus
the relationship between population and the EF
the relationship between HDI (or GDP per capita) and the EF
Ensure you include the following information in your report
Lots of highly relevant maps, diagrams, photos and infographics.
Statistics, including a wide selection of indicators to assess the footprint of your chosen countries.
Interesting facts and current media reports.
Label everything and refer to it in your discussion - 'as can be seen in Fig 14…..'
Task plan
1. Introduction
Include a definition of the following terms in your introduction.
▫ The Ecological Footprint
▫ Biocapacity
▫ Ecological deficit and reserve
▫ Briefly describe the state of the world in terms of , footprints, biocapacity and ecological deficits/reserve (A global map of footprints, a diagram….)
Use annotated diagrams to explain your terms.
▫ Footprint calculation diagram
▫ World map country footprints
▫ World graph biocapacity - deficit reserve
▫ Pie graph - country share of footprint
2. Measure your own footprint.
Use one or more of the following sites to measure and assess your personal footprint.
Screenshot the final calculations and annotate your results
Include the suggestions for reducing your ecological footprint.
Measure your footprint for earth overshoot day
Create a table in which you evaluate the strategies for limiting your Ecological footprint. (See the recommendations in your footprint calculation)
3. Compare country footprints.
With specific reference to an LEDC and an MEDC, compare the ecological footprint of each and assess the sustainability of each country.
Consider the factors that influence a countries footprint. (See below)
Annotate the graphs and maps you use as evidence.
Create a table (below) that compares the two countries. (include footprint, biocapacity and ecological balance)
Include a world average comparison in your table
Factors that influence a country's footprint
Population
Permanent cropland (% of land area)
Arable land (hectares per person)
Annual freshwater withdrawals, total (billion cubic meters)
CO2 emissions (metric tons per capita)
Electric power consumption (kWh per capita)
Total country footprint (global hectares per capita)
Biological Capacity & Reserve / Deficit (Ecological Balance)
