Human Tracks
This week the WWF Network and Global Footprint Network released a new report on the human ecological footprint. It shows that by 2050 humanity will demand twice as much as our planet can provide.
The sixth in a series of Living Planet Reports by the WWF, this report shows an annual increase of 4% demand for resources by the human species and states that by 2006 we will overshoot what the Earth can supply by 30%.
From 1970 to 2003 vertebrate species populations have declined by about one-third.
We have reached a point in our relationship with the Earth that our demands exceed the Earth's capacity to renew itself. That means that we have violated a sacred aspect of our planet - its renewing processes that keep the potential for life a reality.
What are the renewing processes? They are fundamental processes such as the water cycle, turn-over of matter, temperature regulation, and ecosystem dynamics like population control and biodiversity richness.
The Global Footprint Network is an international NGO working to make ecological limits central to decision making. See: www.footprintnetwork.org. Especially look at the Advisory Board and Staff. You will find leaders the world over are part of the network.
Then take your own footprint. I was shocked to learn that my footprint, even after adjusting to the least impact I can make, is 19 hectares! One hectare is 100 acres.) The Earth can provide 4 hectares per person at our current population.
Stay tuned to Composted Blog as I start riding the bus to work, and find out what a renter can do to influence a landlord to incorporate energy saving appliances and solar technology.
Take your footprint and share the site with family and friends.
Sobered.
Susan
2 comments:
Thank you for providing this thought-provoking piece. As recent home-sellers and now temporary renters, my husband and I are utilizing more space than we need, however it enables us to work at home and reduce our travel usage. I was also shocked that my footprint is 20! I think of myself as a socially and ecologically aware person. This will help in the decision-making process of choosing our next home.
I will forward this to friends and hope to tweak their awareness as you have mine.
Bettina
I just re-calculated my footprint based on the home we recently sold and was relieved to find my foorprint for the past 17 years was 11! This is more encouraging as that lifestyle more accurately reflects our true lifestyle than this year's temporary 'splurge'. This will help to ease the pain of the pending move next year.
Thank you again,
Bettina
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