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Flip to reveal answersWhat does a footprint measure in ESS?
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All 10 Flashcards — Ecological footprints
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Question
What does a footprint measure in ESS?
Answer
How much pressure human activities place on Earth’s systems.
💡 Hint
Pressure/impact measure.
Question
What unit is ecological footprint often measured in?
Answer
Global hectares (gha).
💡 Hint
gha.
Question
Define ecological footprint.
Answer
Land/sea area needed to provide resources used and absorb waste produced by a population (in global hectares).
💡 Hint
Area needed.
Question
What does biocapacity represent?
Answer
The ability of ecosystems to regenerate resources and absorb wastes.
💡 Hint
Capacity to recover.
Question
Define biocapacity.
Answer
Earth’s ability to regenerate resources and absorb waste.
💡 Hint
Nature’s capacity.
Question
Carbon footprint measures what?
Answer
Greenhouse gas emissions (often expressed as tonnes CO2 per person per year).
💡 Hint
Emissions.
Question
What does it mean if footprint > biocapacity?
Answer
A biocapacity deficit: resource use is unsustainable (often relies on imports or overexploitation).
💡 Hint
Deficit = unsustainable.
Question
Water footprint includes what “hidden” part?
Answer
Embedded/virtual water used to produce goods and services you consume.
💡 Hint
Hidden water.
Question
What is Earth Overshoot Day?
Answer
The date when humanity has used the resources Earth can regenerate in that year; after it we use future resources.
💡 Hint
Overshoot date.
Question
What is citizen science used for in ESS?
Answer
Collecting large-scale environmental data (biodiversity, climate, migration) with help from non-scientists.
💡 Hint
Public data collection.
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Full study notes for Ecological footprints
Topic 1.3 hub
Sustainability
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