What is an ecological track?

The term "ecological track" was developed by environmentalists to describe the impact that the individual has on his environment. The ecological footprint takes into account a number of things such as ownership of the car, a number of generated garbage, how often the individual walks or ride a bike and other things designed to measure soil and water. The concept of the ecological footprint was developed in response to concerns that people did not live sustainably and that the current rate of consumption, especially in the first world, would lead to resources shortcomings. According to environmental organizations, there are 4.5 useful acres on the ground for each person. Most people in the West have an ecological track that is much larger, which means there would have to be more planets to keep population consumption at this speed. People in poor countries have a much smaller ecological footprint, although growing populations and support of Western lifestyles can lead to an increase.

Ka ecological traces were created in 1992 by William Rees, a Canadian ecologist. Rees believed that finding a gross scale for measuring consumption would help illustrate problems caused by the pressure of the population and increase consumption. Using data collected around the world, he showed that the current rate of consumption and increase could lead to a serious global problem in a disturbing short time. While the ecological track has some inaccuracies, it is a solid starting point for discussing how people use the environment.

Rees also showed that minor changes could significantly reduce the ecological track and that if Western nations cooperated, They could significantly reduce the amount of resources they consumed. Individual citizens could change as well as corporations and governments, especially if they have been proven specific ways to make changes. Some changes require drastic lifestyle changes, while others are simpler and more practical.

ecological traces are used as educationAccess tools around the world to show people how they communicate with the environment around them. Simple online calculators that show consumers their environmental traces can be found on a number of sites and are an interesting way to evaluate lifestyle. In addition to providing the overall ecological track, most websites show ways people can reduce their ecological tracks based on the lifestyle they lead.