Core Unit 4- Patterns in Resource Consumption

Part 1- Patterns of Resource Consumption

• Spec: • Evaluate the ecological footprint as a measure

of the relationship between population size and resource consumption. Identify international variations in its size.

• Discuss the two opposing views (neo-Malthusian and anti-Malthusian) of the relationship between population size and resource consumption.

ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT

KEY DEFINITIONS:

Ecological FootprintCarbon FootprintBiocapacityCarrying Capacity

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=EjyrAHzthTo

• Why might the biocapacity of a nation decrease?

• Why might the ecological footprint of a nation increase?

Criteria of Effective Indicators

• Reliable data• Understandable• Clear in implications (what it means in real

terms)• Reflective of change in time (current)• Systemic (relates to particular human

environments)• Relevant (has a human context)

Identify the strengths and weaknesses of these calculators:

• http://www.footprintnetwork.org/en/index.php/GFN/page/calculators/

• http://footprint.wwf.org.uk/home/calculator_complete

• http://ecologicalfootprint.com/• http://www.epa.vic.gov.au/ecologicalfootprint

/calculators/personal/introduction.asp• http://calculator.bioregional.com/

http://action-town.eu/marketplace/indicators/ecological-footprint-ef/

https://evidentiary101.wordpress.com/2015/05/13/part-2-the-strengths-and-weaknesses-of-the-ecological-footprint-analysis-as-an-indicator/

Ecological Footprint gives an accurate indication of the link between population size and resource

consumption. Evaluate this view. (10)