Summary
A measure of human demand on ecosystems compared with the planet's regenerative capacity.
In depth
Measured in global hectares, it adds cropland, grazing, forest, fishing, built-up land and carbon uptake. Earth Overshoot Day, when annual demand exceeds supply, now falls around late July or early August.
The biocapacity of Earth is about 1.6 global hectares per person; average demand is higher. Footprints differ with consumption and diet.
Remember: it is an accounting tool with simplifications.
The footprint, developed by Wackernagel and Rees in the 1990s, converts demand into the area of biologically productive land needed to supply resources and absorb wastes, compared with biocapacity. Humanity's footprint in recent years has been about 1.7 Earths. Carbon is the largest component, around 60 percent. Per-person values vary from under 1 global hectare in some low-income countries to over 8 in some high-income ones.
Critics argue that it simplifies complex issues, treats carbon as land, and ignores biodiversity and water. It remains a communication tool. Related measures include water footprint, carbon footprint and planetary boundaries (Rockstrom et al.), which identify limits for climate, biodiversity loss and nitrogen flows.
Remember: the footprint is a measure of demand on nature and says nothing about how the demand is shared.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ecological Footprint?
A measure of human demand on ecosystems compared with the planet's regenerative capacity.
Which area of biology covers Ecological Footprint, and how advanced is it?
Ecological Footprint is one of the 54 topics in Ecology. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Primary Productivity, Ecosystem Services, Carrying Capacity.
Can you give an example of Ecological Footprint?
Footprints differ greatly across nations.
What should I learn before Ecological Footprint?
Work through the Beginner topics in Ecology first, such as Ecology, Ecosystem, Biotic and Abiotic Factors, then return to Ecological Footprint. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Ecological Footprint?
The closest topics to Ecological Footprint are Primary Productivity, Ecosystem Services, Carrying Capacity, Biomes. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Ecological Footprint?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Ecological Footprint. To practise the whole of Ecology, use the Ecology quiz.
How is Ecological Footprint different from Primary Productivity?
Ecological Footprint: A measure of human demand on ecosystems compared with the planet's regenerative capacity. Primary Productivity: The rate at which producers convert energy into organic matter, gross minus respiration equals net. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Ecological Footprint step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Primary Productivity and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Ecology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.