Air
Quality
Reducing Our Ecological Footprint
Introduction | Invitation | Exploration | Explanation | Taking Action | Conclusion
During our exploration of each module, we have learned about many of the factors that contribute to the ongoing destruction of our environment. We have studied the nature and effects of acid rain, solid waste, water pollution and air pollution and we have considered ways in which these problems can be minimized. In our final lesson, we will make a holistic appraisal of the impact that each of has on the natural world around us. We will begin by estimating the human impact, or ecological footprint, that each of us leaves on our planet. This footprint measures what how much of nature we consume. It shows how much productive land we use in order to produce all the resources that we consume and absorb all the wastes that we produce.
The good earth provides an average of 5.5 acres of bioproductive space for each person on the planet. Each acre represents about a football field worth of space. While this may seem like a lot, consider that on this little piece of land you have to grow the plants, feed the cows, sheer the sheep, build the house, toss the trash, and any thing else needed to support your lifestyle. But if our planet is to be sustainable and provide for our children and grandchildren, then we must learn to live within our ecological limits.
Do you think that you're currently living within your fair earthshare? In this activity we will calculate our ecological footprints, compare them with each other and our Russian comrades, and discuss what actions could and should be taken.
Objectives:
Upon completion of this
lesson, you should be able to:
1) recognize the amount
of bioproductive space that is available to each
person
2) calculate your
biological footprint
3) identify ways that
the size of these prints can be reduced
Invitation:
How big would you estimate your footprint to be? Predict the number of acres that you think are required to support your lavish lifestyle. Discuss and compare your predictions with your lab partners.
Compared to others in the world, do you think you that
you're an environmental friend or foe? How do
you think you compare with your Russian comrades?
Discuss your ideas and feelings about this with your lab
partners.
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Exploration
Now it is time to take off the shoes and get out the
measuring tape . Use the link below to calculate your
ecological footprint. If time and facilities permit,
each person should complete this process. If not, a
few people can take it and you can use the data to determine
an average size footprint for the class.
After completing your calculations, compare your results
with your lab partners as well as others in the class. Then
compare your results to those from other nations by going to
the following link(s).
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As you make these comparisons, please complete the following questions:
1. According to your own footprint calculations,
how many earths would be necessary to support a planet full
of
your clones? (your
footprint in acres/5.5)
2. How many acres does the average American consume? The average Russian?
3. What is the average ecological surplus/deficit produced by members of your own country?
4. Do the majority of countries on the list have ecological deficits or surpluses?
5. What implications does this data have in regards
to the long term health and sustainability of our
planet?
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Explanation
In analyzing the data, you may have concluded that most countries live on footprints larger that their own ecosystem can support. At the present time, our global ecological footprint is about 35 percent larger than our global productive capacity. As a result, our resources are being gradually depleted. This depletion of is due largely to the fact that the wealthy quarter of the human race consumes about three quarters of all the world's resources.
But such over consumption takes its toll on those who are less fortunate. For every 200 million people in Country X who consume 3 times the allowable space of 5.5 acres, there must be 200 million people in Country Y who consume only one third of the allowable space. Otherwise, our consumption of resources will rapidly exceed the earth's production capacity. Such comparisons naturally foster discussion and debate regarding the rights of individuals to claim their fair share of the earth's resources. Use the questions below to stimulate a class discussion/debate regarding issues of environmental equity. After debating these issues, you'll be asked to post your opinion on this matter to the bulletin board.
Questions to discuss:
1. If there were a global shortage of oxygen and it
had to be rationed, do you believe that each person on
the
planet should be entitled to an
equal share of the oxygen that remains? Justify
your answer.
2. Should certain individuals be accorded a larger
proportion of this resource as a result of their
positions,
occupations, status or wealth
within their respective societies? If so, describe how
these differing proportions
should be distributed.
3. Since we do have a global shortage of
bioproductive land, do you think that each person on the
planet should be
entitled to an equal earthshare
(5.5acres)? Again, justify your answer.
After discussing these questions and this topic with your
group members and classmates, it is time to post your
opinion on this matter to the bulletin board. As a
group or an individual, write a thoughtful one or two
paragraph statement that states your position in regards to
question three above.
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Taking Action
Whatever your opinion is in regards to an equal distribution of resources, each of us can take simple, concrete actions in order to reduce our environmental impact. As the final activity in this lesson, you and your partner will investigate and then choose one practical action that can be taken decrease the size of our ecological footprints. After making your choice, you must promote the value of such behavior by creating and presenting a poster, bumper sticker, or a commercial that will convince others to do likewise.
To find examples of eco-friendly actions, click on the
following link:
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Conclusion
Our worldwide environmental rallying cry has become, "Think Globally, Act Locally". In this lesson and others we have explored and discussed how our individual actions at home can have global consequences. If we desire to improve the environmental quality and equity of our planet, each of us must be willing to reduce our ecological footprints.