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Learn more about your ecological footprint

By Wellington Shire Council - 13th February 2004 - Back to News

Wellington Shire Council and EPA Victoria are co-hosting a presentation by leading US environmental expert, Dr Mathis Wackernagel, on the Ecological Footprint concept he helped create and its implications for sustainability for both individuals and the planet.

The Ecological Footprint (or eco-footprint for short) is essentially a resource accounting tool that compares the level of consumption of nature’s resources with nature’s ability to regenerate. For example it asserts that if we continue living the way we currently do it would take 3.8 planets to sustain our behaviour – so consumption would greatly outstrip the planet’s regenerative capability.

The aim of the tool is to increase understanding of the impact our everyday activities have on the environment and highlight the importance of taking corrective action to reduce these effects and live more sustainably.

There is an open invitation to organisations and individuals to attend Dr Wackernagel’s presentation, which is being held in the Wellington Room, in the Council’s headquarters in Foster Street Sale, from 4.30pm to 6.30pm on Friday 20 February. Entry is free.

As part of his talk Dr Wackernagel will take the opportunity to flag examples where the eco-footprint has influenced business thinking, policy debates and scientific studies.

Said Wellington’s Mayor John Jago: "As a Council committed to protecting and enhancing the shire’s natural environment, we very much welcome the opportunity to find out more about the Ecological Footprint, how it works and the benefits to the community."

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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