Final answer:
The ecological footprint measures the land and water area required to sustain human consumption and waste generation. It is used to determine the sustainability of our lifestyles and the long-term impact on Earth's resources and ecosystems. Personal ecological footprint comparisons and mitigation strategies are key to reducing our environmental impact.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ecological footprint (EF) is a measure that conveys the environmental impact of human consumption by accounting for the area of land and water needed to produce the resources consumed and waste generated. This concept, which includes the calculation of energy and material use, as well as waste output, indicates whether human lifestyles and behaviors are sustainable. By comparing the demands placed upon the Earth with its ability to regenerate resources and absorb wastes, the ecological footprint helps to gauge human impact on the planet and informs discussions about sustainability.
We calculate the ecological footprint to understand how our lifestyles are affecting the planet and to highlight the need for changes to avoid exhausting natural resources. This ecological overshoot can lead to serious consequences such as resource depletion, loss of biodiversity, and drastic changes in ecosystem services. Moreover, the ecological footprint can be used alongside other measures, like the carbon footprint and water footprint, to provide a more comprehensive picture of human demand on Earth's resources.
Comparing our personal ecological footprint with national averages, and understanding the impact of our choices on global resources and climate change, is part of being an informed and responsible global citizen.