Chapter 1

The Ecological Footprint Indicator

Jaime Solis-Guzman and Madelyn Marrero

Abstract

The Ecological Footprint (EF) calculations are generally performed by following the methodology defined by Mathis Wackernagel, based on top-down analysis, on macroeconomic data that estimates the footprints at various territorial levels: Earth, continents, countries, cities, etc. The present chapter establishes a reference frame, also top-down, in order to define the indicators and their relevance. The indicators have been used in the calculation of the impact of humanity on the environment, among which the EF is included. According to EF methodology, all consumptions, materials, energy, and waste absorption have their corresponding productive land requirements for their production or disposal.

Total Pages: 3-25 (23)

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