In the United States the average ecological footprint is 23 acres. The earth has 32 billion acres of land. If everyone lived like Americans it would take 5.5 earths to support the global population of 7.7 billion people.

Write in a response to the following question in CER or R.A.C.E.S. format. How does your ecological footprint compare to the average US ecological footprint?
- my ecological footprint is 5.1 earths or 8.4

1 answer

CER Format Response

Claim: My ecological footprint is significantly lower than the average U.S. ecological footprint.

Evidence: The average ecological footprint in the United States is 23 acres per person. In comparison, I have an ecological footprint calculated as 5.1 earths or 8.4 acres per person.

Reasoning: The data indicates that if everyone lived like Americans, it would take 5.5 Earths to sustain the global population of 7.7 billion people. My footprint of 5.1 earths or 8.4 acres indicates that I consume fewer resources and have a smaller environmental impact than the average American. This suggests that my lifestyle is more sustainable and could potentially allow for better resource allocation and preservation for future generations.

R.A.C.E.S Format Response

Restate the question: Comparing my ecological footprint to the average U.S. ecological footprint, I have a much smaller impact on the environment.

Answer: The average U.S. ecological footprint is 23 acres, while mine is significantly lower at 8.4 acres or the equivalent of 5.1 Earths.

Cite evidence: According to studies, if everyone lived like Americans, it would require 5.5 Earths to sustain the global population of 7.7 billion people.

Explain: This means my ecological footprint is smaller than the average. Having an ecological footprint of 8.4 acres or 5.1 Earths implies that my consumption of resources is more sustainable compared to the average American's footprint. By living in a more eco-friendly manner, I contribute less to environmental degradation and resource depletion, which is critical in our effort to sustain the Earth for future generations.

Summarize: In conclusion, my ecological footprint aligns with a more sustainable lifestyle, contrasting sharply with the average U.S. footprint.