Ecological Footprints: Management, Reduction and Environmental Impacts

2022 ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 08 (04) ◽  
pp. 407-429 ◽  
Author(s):  
SALLY CAIRD ◽  
ROBIN ROY

How do demographic factors influence the environmental impacts of households? A major two year study used the ecological footprint technique to measure the environmental impacts of over 1000 UK households. Energy and transport were the biggest contributors to the 'footprint' of households. Rural, and adult households and households with few members had significantly larger per capita ecological footprints than urban/suburban households, households with children and households with several members. Although 11% of these UK households could be regarded as environmentally sustainable, the majority would require a reduction of 60% in ecological footprint to achieve a globally sustainable footprint per person. Consideration is given to the policy implications of demographic influences on household ecological footprints, including personal carbon allowances and house planning and design.


2020 ◽  
pp. 637-656 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Medici ◽  
Søren Marcus Pedersen ◽  
Giacomo Carli ◽  
Maria Rita Tagliaventi

The purpose of this study is to analyse the environmental benefits of precision agriculture technology adoption obtained from the mitigation of negative environmental impacts of agricultural inputs in modern farming. Our literature review of the environmental benefits related to the adoption of precision agriculture solutions is aimed at raising farmers' and other stakeholders' awareness of the actual environmental impacts from this set of new technologies. Existing studies were categorised according to the environmental impacts of different agricultural activities: nitrogen application, lime application, pesticide application, manure application and herbicide application. Our findings highlighted the effects of the reduction of input application rates and the consequent impacts on climate, soil, water and biodiversity. Policy makers can benefit from the outcomes of this study developing an understanding of the environmental impact of precision agriculture in order to promote and support initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable agriculture.


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