The main difference between ecological footprint and carbon footprint is that ecological footprint is the total resources people consume in areas of land and water whereas carbon footprint is the total greenhouse gas emission.
Generally, ecological and carbon footprint are two measurements that compare the total resources people consume.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Ecological Footprint
– Definition, Characteristics, Importance
2. What is Carbon Footprint
– Definition, Characteristics, Importance
3. Similarities Between Ecological and Carbon Footprint
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Ecological and Carbon Footprint
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Carbon Footprint, Ecological Footprint
What is Ecological Footprint
The ecological footprint is the method to measure human demand on natural capital. Therefore, it measures the quantity of nature that support people and the economy. Generally, ecological footprint adds all biologically productive land and sea area that provides renewable and non-renewable resources consumed by the population. Moreover, the land and the sea have to absorb waste. Some examples of productive areas include croplands, grazing lands to feed animals, forested lands to produce wood products, marine areas for fisheries, built-up lands for houses and infrastructure, etc. The presence of forested is essential to absorb carbon dioxide, which is the emission from energy consumption.
Figure 1: Ecological Footprint
Furthermore, ecological footprint measures the demand that a person makes on global natural resources. It is one of the largest measures of humanity’s effect on the environment.
What is Carbon Footprint
Carbon footprint is the total greenhouse gas emission by humans in the world. Generally, it is associated with carbon dioxide emissions by different activities and by different people. The combustion of fossil fuel, heating, transportation, and the emissions in the production of electricity are the main methods of carbon dioxide emission in the world. The carbon footprint also includes the emission of other greenhouse gases such as methane, nitrous oxide, and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
Figure 2: Carbon Footprint
Moreover, the carbon footprint is the emissions associated with all activities in humans. It is an essential component of the ecological footprint.
Similarities Between Ecological and Carbon Footprint
- Ecological and carbon footprint are two measurements of humans consuming natural resources.
- Both concepts give an idea of the continuation of life on earth.
Difference Between Ecological and Carbon Footprint
Definition
Ecological footprint refers to the impact of a person or community on the environment, expressed as the amount of land required to sustain their use of natural resources, while carbon footprint refers to the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of the activities of a particular individual, organization, or community.
Importance
The ecological footprint measures renewable and non-renewable resources used while the carbon footprint measures carbon dioxide generated by activities.
Includes
The ecological footprint contains both carbon emission and environmental impact while the carbon footprint contains only carbon emission numbers.
Impacts
In addition, the ecological footprint directly impacts continuing life on earth while the carbon footprint directly impacts climate change.
Conclusion
In brief, ecological footprint and carbon footprint are two important measurements of humans consuming natural resources. In general, the ecological footprint measures the consumption of renewable and non-renewable resources on earth. It also directly impacts the continuing life on earth. The carbon footprint, on the other hand, is the measure of the carbon dioxide generated. Carbon footprint also impacts climate change. Therefore, the main difference between ecological footprint and carbon footprint is the types of resources they measure.
References:
- “Ecological Footprint.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc..
- “Carbon Footprint.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc..
Image Courtesy:
- “Ecological footprint 2018” By Ly.n0m – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
- “Consumption-based CO₂ emissions per capita, OWID” By Our World In Data – Own Work (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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