Page 179 - Environment: The Science Behind the Stories

Calculating Ecological Footprints

The population of the United States grew from 152,271,000 to Given the values of the major components of the GPI for
292,892,000 between 1950 and 2004, but the nation’s Gross the United States in 1950 and 2004, and the population fig-
Domestic Product (GDP) grew still faster. Taking these two ures above, calculate and enter the per capita rates for these
trends together, Figure 6.17b (p. 171) shows how per capita components, as well as the overall GPI values. Refer to Figure
GDP rose over this half-century. During this period, the per 6.17a (p. 171) to check how to calculate the GPI.
capita Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI) grew as well, but
more slowly than GDP.

U.S. total in 1950 Per capita in 1950 U.S. total in 2004 Per capita in 2004
Components of GPI (trillions of dollars) (thousands of dollars) (trillions of dollars) (thousands of dollars)
GDP 1.153 7.589
Benefits 1.041 4.746
Environmental costs 0.407 3.990
Social and economic costs 0.476 3.926
GPI
Data from Talberth, J., C. Cobb, and N. Slattery, 2007. The Genuine Progress Indicator 2006: A tool for sustainable development.
Redefining Progress, Oakland, CA.

1. How many times greater was the GDP in 2004 than in 3. There are many ways to define and measure the benefits
1950? By how many times did the GPI increase between and costs that go into the GPI. How do you think a person
1950 and 2004? What does this comparison tell you? with a biocentric worldview would measure these differ-
2. By how many times, respectively, did benefits, environ- ently from a person with an anthropocentric worldview?
mental costs, and social and economic costs increase Whose GPI for the year 2005 would likely be higher?
between 1950 and 2004? How are trends in each of these 4. Now consider your own life. Very roughly, what would
components driving the overall trend between the GPI you estimate are the values of the benefits, environmen-
and the GDP? Which component has gotten worst over tal costs, and social and economic costs you experience?
the years? How would you account for these trends? What could you do to help improve these trends in your
own personal accounting?

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