Overview
“The Earth is what we all have in common.” — Wendell Berry, American novelist, poet, essayist, environmental activist, cultural critic and farmer
When you walk along the beach or a stretch of grass, you see the indents your footprint has left behind. Everywhere we go and everything we do has an impact on both people and planet, though our ecological footprint is much larger than the size of our feet.
An ecological footprint measures the resources we use, either directly or indirectly. Sometimes it’s obvious, like the amount of water for a shower. More often, it’s harder to see, such as the fossil fuels burned to transport food to your table. When you add up the resources we consume both directly and indirectly, the collective impact is far greater than one may imagine. This means our demand on nature’s resources outweighs the supply of nature — and is therefore unsustainable.
A large component of our ecological footprint is our carbon footprint, which is the total amount of carbon dioxide we use. You may not think a 15-minute drive to school or single plate at mealtime has a big impact, but it all adds up! The average American drives 11,000 miles a year, which comes out to approximately 31,350 gallons of gasoline over a lifetime, while the average American household produces about 8 tons of carbon per year related to food alone. These contribute to an average individual footprint exceeding 20 tons of carbon, roughly equivalent to two dump trucks brimming with solid carbon. Everyday activities like driving cars, heating and cooling homes, and turning on lights all contribute to a carbon footprint.
Why does this matter? As carbon dioxide accumulates in the atmosphere, excess heat is trapped in a process known as the greenhouse effect. When the sun’s energy reaches the Earth’s atmosphere, some is reflected back to space, while the rest is absorbed and re-radiated by greenhouse gases, causing global temperatures to rise.
Many of the negative impacts of climate change stem from human activity – especially the burning of finite resources, fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas, and agriculture and land clearing – increase the concentration of greenhouse gases. This exacerbates the greenhouse effect, further escalating the climate crisis. Harmful and irreversible climate change is occurring before our eyes. The past 6 years have been the hottest on record, which we are expected to meet or surpass.
Albeit with tragic consequences for too many, this year has provided an unexpected lens to see firsthand how climate phenomena can change in a positive direction very quickly, as the earth responded to the rapid decrease of fossil fuels in the atmosphere due to pandemic shutdowns. Every year, the Global Footprint Network calculates Earth Overshoot Day, the specific date when demand for Earth’s limited resources and services in a given year exceed what Earth can regenerate in that year. In other words, the closer the day is to the end of the year, the better! In 1970 the date was December 29, which is almost sustainable. In 2019, the date was July 29. In just 50 years, the date moved five months earlier, reflective of wholly unsustainable consumption patterns. Due to the unique circumstances of COVID-19 and the dramatic measures taken to slow the spread, such as sheltering in place, factory shutdowns and cuts in global transportation, emissions plummeted for a short while and 2020’s Earth Overshoot Day was thus estimated to land on August 22, three weeks later than last year — meaning slightly more in line with Earth’s regenerative capacity.
“This year more than ever, Earth Overshoot Day provides an unprecedented opportunity to reflect on the future we want,” said Laurel Hanscom, Executive Director of Global Footprint Network. “Efforts to respond to COVID-19 have demonstrated that shifting ecological resource consumption trends in a short time frame is possible. As we emerge out of the public health crisis and focus on rebuilding our economies and our lives, strategies informed by biological resource security and 1-planet prosperity are far more likely to bring about the positive outcomes that decision makers seek.”
While this news is a small victory, it is but short lived. We must remember to actively strive to continue a positive trajectory that does not occur at the expense of anyone, even after we recover from the pandemic. It’s not enough to return to a ‘normal’ that did not serve people or planet well. We can and must do better to create a new operating system, where sustainable consumption, responsible usage and urgently combating climate change are at the forefront of popular, industrial and policy imperatives.
Individuals have more power than you think. Recognize the power of our human handprint, which is used as a visual for the positive impact an individual can have upon the environment. Let’s make our mark for the better! By standing up, speaking out and living a values-aligned life, every one of us can be a leader for and active co-creator of the world we wish to see.
THINK
Changes in daily habits and consumption patterns may not seem significant in a world of nearly 8 billion people, but every decision contributes to the well-being of humans, all species and the Earth. What would the world look like if each person consumed less and demanded more ethical production? Instead of supporting companies with practices that harm the planet, consider those like Everyone that work authentically and diligently to ensure a smaller footprint by using certified organic ingredients with traceable sourcing and fair trade labor in a zero waste factory, among other measurable environmentally and socially-conscious actions. When done at scale, all of these elements add up to real, lasting, positive impact.
ACTIVITY
First, look at today’s video explaining the ecological footprint. Share two facts you learned.
Then, calculate your footprint using Global Footprint Network’s calculator.
Think:
- What are your results? How many planets does it take to support your personal lifestyle?
- What three activities in your life are most resource-intensive?
- Of these activities, which would be the hardest to change? Share why.
- Which would be the easiest to change? Share why.
Take Action:
- Respond to the questions above and choose one action that you can take today to reduce your carbon footprint. It doesn’t have to be big. In fact, more manageable ones can be better! Share the action you will take with a friend, classmate or family member.
Don’t forget to post about the challenge and your learnings/doings on social media and tag us on Facebook @TurningGreen, on Twitter @TurningGreenOrg, and on Instagram @TurningGreenOrg and use #TGClassroom.
THINK
Due to COVID-19, our world was forced to stop in a way that was previously unimaginable. As many people stayed home, businesses closed and industries were interrupted, ecological footprints changed before our eyes. However, any alleviation of the pressures on and degradation of the environment during this unprecedented period will be rapidly wiped out if unsustainable systems and processes resume.The global pandemic has shed light on human impact upon ecosystems and demonstrated that massive, rapid change is possible in both policy and behavior. Since we have been forced to rethink how we live, let’s reflect on how we may be able to step away from harmful habits in favor of conscious choices, for today, tomorrow and into a more resilient future that we co-create.
ACTIVITY
Headlines about the pandemic are devastating to read and tragic realities difficult to believe, but we find small moments to breathe through stories about how air and water quality have improved, as human and industry activity all but came to a standstill. We mourn the steep cost to families and society, and recommit to building a more sustainable, just, healthy future for all.
- Share three ways that your own life and relationship with the environment look different due to the pandemic
- Go online to look for three examples of how greater human interaction with the environment have changed
- Find one photo that captures what you are reading about; make sure to vet the image for veracity
- Write a caption about how these learnings make you feel. These are hard times and there is no right response.
Don’t forget to post about the challenge and your learnings/doings on social media and tag us on Facebook @TurningGreen, on Twitter @TurningGreenOrg, and on Instagram @TurningGreenOrg and use #TGClassroom.
THINK
Earth Overshoot Day refers to the date at which humans have used more resources than what Earth can naturally replenish in an entire calendar year. In 1970, Earth Overshoot Day fell on December 29, meaning human consumption was close to in line with the actual capacity of our planet. In 2019, Earth Overshoot Day occurred on July 29, five months before it “should.” Society is moving in the wrong direction. But each year, we, the people, have an opportunity to come together to #MoveTheDate to ensure the health and wellbeing of people and planet. This challenge will empower you to help that movement!
ACTIVITY
Watch this video and become familiar with Global Footprint Network’s Earth Overshoot Day campaign. Browse the webpage, choose one of GFN’s steps to help #MoveTheDate, and do that action. Answer the following questions:
- Which step did you take?
- What is your plan to follow through with that step?
- Make a presentation about your plan of action and present the information to a friend, classmate or family member.
- Share your solution on social media, tagging #MoveTheDate, @TurningGreenOrg and Global Footprint Network.
Don’t forget to post about the challenge and your learnings/doings on social media and tag us on Facebook @TurningGreen, on Twitter @TurningGreenOrg, and on Instagram @TurningGreenOrg and use #TGClassroom.