Our Ecological Footprint: Reducing Human Impact on the Earth

Simon Dalby is an assistant professor of geography at Carleton
University in Ottawa.

This practical and theoretically informed book examines a series of
tools that can be used to analyze more precisely the impacts of various
strategies for sustainable development. An “ecological footprint”
refers to the amount of land required to supply the resources and absorb
the wastes of a given population. Such an analysis can be applied to
virtually any social grouping (from household and school to town and
country) or social activity. Some standard statistical sources and a
pocket calculator are the only tools required for calculating
footprints.

Attractively presented and often very humorous (Doctor Footnote, a
cartoon “sustainability counselor,” pops up in a number of places to
explain technical matters in simple terms), this invaluable book is
recommended for activists, planners, and educators who are concerned
with issues of sustainability.