ympäristöjälkeä

Ympäristöjälki is a Finnish term that translates to "environmental footprint" in English. It is a concept used to measure the impact of human activities on the environment. This impact can be assessed at various levels, from individual consumption patterns to the total impact of a nation or a specific product or service. The environmental footprint encompasses a wide range of ecological demands, including the land and water area required to produce the resources consumed and to absorb the waste generated.

Key components often considered within the environmental footprint include carbon footprint, which measures greenhouse gas emissions, and biocapacity, which represents the Earth's capacity to regenerate renewable resources and absorb waste. By quantifying these impacts, the environmental footprint helps to understand the sustainability of our current lifestyles and economic systems. It serves as a tool for raising awareness and guiding efforts towards reducing environmental degradation and promoting more sustainable practices. Understanding one's environmental footprint can encourage individuals and organizations to make informed choices that lessen their burden on the planet.