Syllabus Edition

First teaching 2015

Last exams 2025

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How to Reduce Ecological Footprints (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS)) : Revision Note

Alistair Marjot

Written by: Alistair Marjot

Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett

Updated on

Reducing Ecological Footprints

  • Ecological Footprints (EFs) measure the impact of human activities on the environment

    • They do this by calculating the area of land and water needed to sustain a particular human population

    • An EF is measured in global hectares (gha) per capita (i.e. hectares per person)

  • EFs take into account factors such as food consumption, transportation, and energy use

    • EFs can be used to compare the sustainability of different lifestyles, businesses, and even whole countries

    • If the EF of a lifestyle, business or country exceeds the area available to the population (also known as the biocapacity - the amount of resources that the planet can provide sustainably), it means that it is not sustainable in the long term

  • To reduce an EF, it is important to adopt more sustainable practices such as reducing meat consumption, using renewable energy sources, and using public transport or walking instead of driving

  • EFs are a useful tool for promoting sustainable development and for raising awareness about the impact of human activities on the environment

fEGRrVY6_1-4-5-ecological-footprints

The ecological footprint of various countries, expressed as the number of hectares of land required to sustain the current standard of living in that country - Elias, Scott (2015) Global Change Impacts on the Biosphere

1-4-5-ecological-footprints-map

The ecological footprint of various countries can also be displayed in map-form

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Alistair Marjot

Author: Alistair Marjot

Expertise: Biology & Environmental Systems and Societies Content Creator

Alistair graduated from Oxford University with a degree in Biological Sciences. He has taught GCSE/IGCSE Biology, as well as Biology and Environmental Systems & Societies for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. While teaching in Oxford, Alistair completed his MA Education as Head of Department for Environmental Systems & Societies. Alistair has continued to pursue his interests in ecology and environmental science, recently gaining an MSc in Wildlife Biology & Conservation with Edinburgh Napier University.

Bridgette Barrett

Reviewer: Bridgette Barrett

Expertise: Geography Lead

After graduating with a degree in Geography, Bridgette completed a PGCE over 25 years ago. She later gained an MA Learning, Technology and Education from the University of Nottingham focussing on online learning. At a time when the study of geography has never been more important, Bridgette is passionate about creating content which supports students in achieving their potential in geography and builds their confidence.

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