Biokapazität

Biokapazität refers to the amount of biologically productive land and sea area an individual, community, or country has available to regenerate the resources that are consumed and absorb the waste that is produced. It is a measure of Earth's capacity to produce biological resources, such as food, timber, and fiber, and to absorb waste products, such as carbon dioxide. Biokapazität is often contrasted with ecological footprint, which measures the demand placed on nature by humans.

When the demand for resources and waste absorption exceeds the biokapazität, a state of ecological deficit occurs. This means that humanity is using resources faster than they can be replenished and producing waste at a rate that nature cannot absorb. This can lead to environmental degradation, resource depletion, and climate change.

The concept of biokapazität is central to discussions about sustainability and resource management. It helps to illustrate the finite nature of Earth's resources and the need for individuals and societies to live within the planet's ecological limits. Different regions and countries have vastly different biokapacities due to varying amounts of land, water, and ecosystem productivity. Global biokapazität is the sum of all biokapacities worldwide. Understanding and respecting biokapazität is crucial for achieving a sustainable future.