Comparing Ecological Footprints around the globe (activity 4)

Look at the Ecological Footprint of Nations chart (Adobe PDF file, 28KB)

Consider and comment on the following:

1. In 2001 humanity's average footprint was 2.2 global hectares per person but the available biocapacity was 1.8 global hectares per person. What does this mean?
2. Australia's Ecological Footprint is greater than the world average. Why do we have such a large footprint compared to other countries?
3. Choose a country with a below average footprint and think about the differences between Australia and that country. What are some of the reasons that our footprint is larger than that country's?
4. You may think that to live sustainably means reducing our quality of life, and that all countries with a high standard of living have a large Ecological Footprint. This is not actually the case, Italy, which is a developed country, currently has an Ecological Footprint of 4.2 hectares per person which is  smaller than Australia's. Italians enjoy a high standard of living and quality of life. So what does this tell us?
5. What are some of the reasons why Italy has a smaller Ecological Footprint and lesser impact on the environment than Australia?

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