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Humanity is already consuming 50% more natural resources than the planet can replenish. If the trend continues, in 30 years we will need three planets like Earth to meet the needs
Anthropogenic impact on nature is called the “ecological footprint”. This indicator captures how much area of the biologically productive territory of the planet is necessary to ensure human life – resource consumption, production of goods and services, waste disposal. For the calculation of the ecological footprint, the indicator of the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the combustion of fossil fuels. This includes not only direct CO emissions2 into the atmosphere, but also the reduction of biologically productive areas capable of absorbing CO2, in the production of food and materials. The Ecological Footprint is calculated by the Global Footprint Network.
The main source of the ecological footprint is the provision of various daily human needs. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in our country and the Global Ecological Footprint Network have identified 5 areas of life in our country with the greatest negative impact on the environment.
Ecological footprint of a resident of our country:
“Our country occupies a unique place in the world in terms of the size of preserved pristine territories and wealth of natural resources. Our country is the so-called “ecological donor” of the planet. At the same time, the ecofootprint of an average citizen of our country is quite large, – says Victoria Elias, director of WWF environmental programs in our country. – If all people lived like our country, we would need 3,3 planets. It is necessary to solve existing and accumulated environmental problems at various levels – from local to state and further – global. But in order to achieve results, it is important for everyone to think and start with themselves, their consumer choice, behavior, lifestyle. Initiatives and projects aimed at preserving nature in every corner of the country are very important. Their leaders, eco-activists, are the very people who achieve success and who can inspire others by their example.”
How many Earth-like planets do we need with our current level of consumption.
What can I do to reduce my ecological footprint
- From the couch: support projects that offset CO emissions2.
You can calculate your ecological footprint and transfer money to one of the initiatives, thereby offsetting your negative impact on nature. Basically, these are projects for the development of alternative energy sources in different regions of the world, planting trees in areas with a critical situation or replacing infrastructure with an energy-saving one.
There are very few such initiatives in our country at the moment. There are forest restoration programs, for example, the “Plant a Forest” project, and individual actions of airlines – for example, Aeroflot proposes to calculate the amount of CO emissions2 during your flight.
- In everyday affairs: change your daily habits.
You can start small and choose one new healthy habit for yourself. For example, fix leaking taps on time (this saves up to 30 liters of water a day), turn off the computer at night, choose local products in the store, install a rainwater collection container in the country house. If you perceive this as a game, then soon you will want to reconsider other areas of your life. Here are simple WWF tips on how to conserve water, travel and shop sustainably while reducing your CO2 track.
- Become more involved and participate in environmental actions.
For example, join the WWF Earth Hour event, which this year will take place on March 27 at 20:30 local time.