Ecological overshoot

High school (ages 12+)
Environment & Earth

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/ecological-overshoot

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the global footprint?Humanity's ecological footprint currently exceeds Earth's biocapacity by a significant margin
2. What is the primary drivers?Population growth, increased per capita consumption, and reliance on non-renewable resources
3. Why do we call it "overshoot"?We call it overshoot because our consumption goes beyond what Earth can supply, like a company spending more than it earns. It shows we are using up Earth's natural capital too fast.
4. How does ecological overshoot affect the planet?It can cause less water, soil, and fish, and more waste and pollution. This hurts animals, plants, and even people who need clean air and water.

Regenerative Capacity: The intrinsic ability of natural systems to renew resources and recover from disturbances over time.
Ecological Footprint: A measure of the human demand on Earth's ecosystems, expressed in biologically productive area.
Biocapacity: The ability of Earth's ecosystems to produce useful biological materials and absorb waste materials generated by humans.
Sustainability: The practice of meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.