Name __________________________________________ Date _____________ Period _______
Ecological Footprint WebQuest:
Directions: Follow the links listed below and answer the questions below. Please make sure you explain each
answer in such a way that a 5th grader could understand…do NOT copy directly from the website. You will
have to synthesize what you read! Use complete sentences for full credit.
What is an ecological footprint?
Go to http://www.footprintnetwork.org and click on the “Footprint Science” tab, and afterwards “Footprint
Basics,” and then review the information listed on that page.
1. What is an ecological footprint?
2. How much larger is our (United States) ecological footprint than the rate the planet can regenerate?
3. What does an “overshoot” of an ecological footprint mean?
4. What are some of the risks we face as humanity’s ecological resource demand exceeds nature’s supply?
Public Data Package – Free Download
Go to
http://www.footprintnetwork.org/en/index.php/GFN/page/public_data_packagewww.footprintnetwork.org and
download the free “Public Data Package.” Afterwards, peruse the information via the “Tabs” at the bottom of
the Excel spreadsheet. Lastly, answer the following questions using the “Country Results 2016 Ed (2012)” tab.
5. According to the data gathered by the Global Footprint Network, which country has the largest
Ecological Footprint?
6. As far as a ranking, where does the United States rank on the list?
7. Which country has the largest biocapacity?
Ecological Impact Quiz:
Go to http://www.earthday.org/take-action/footprint-calculator and take the quiz.
8. Compare your average ecological footprint with the average ecological footprint per person worldwide
(2.6 global hectares / 6.4 acres) and the amount of productive land and sea area available (i.e.,
biocapacity) in the world per person. Please record your “score” and personal reflection/thoughts on that
matter here.