Resources on the Ecological Footprint, Global Population,
and the Environment
Resources
on the Global Environment
Ecological Footprint: The organization Redefining Progress
has the latest data on the Ecological Footprint, a science-based
method for measuring human impact on the environment. Download
and view data by country, learn about global ecosystems, and more.
http://www.rprogress.org
Ecological Footprint Calculator: This site offers
a calculator and interactive quiz that enable you to measure your
own ecological footprint. The results tell you how many earths
it would take to support everyone on earth if they shared your
lifestyle and consumption habits. http://www.myfootprint.org
The Living Planet Report: A periodic update (years
2000 and 20002 available) on the state of the world's ecosystems
as measured by the Living Planet Index and the Ecological Footprint.
Summary report and French and Spanish translation also available.
http://www.panda.org/livingplanet
Millenium Ecosystem Assessment: The Millenium
Ecosystem Assessment is a landmark study revealing that approximately
60 percent of the ecosystem services that support life on Earth
- such as fresh water, capture fisheries, air and water regulation,
and the regulation of regional climate, natural hazards and pests
- are being degraded or used unsustainably. http://www.millenniumassessment.org/
See also http://www.greenfacts.org/ecosystems
United Nations Environmental Program: The site
includes current UNEP activities, reports, publications, issue
summaries, etc. The site also offers a kids' portal with explanations
of environmental issue, a glossary, quizzes & games, and action
projects. http://www.unep.org
Vital Signs - (Annual report of global indicators.):
The Worldwatch Institute and the UN Envirnomental Program compile
an annual list of key global trends in the "Vital Signs"
report. Order at 1-888-544-2303 or at wwpub@worldwatch.org See
also http://www.worldwatch.org
World Resources Institute: Non-profit environmental
research and policy organization that "creates solutions
to protect the planet and improve people's lives." Site includes
reports and briefings on many global and environmental issues
and access to Earthtrends environmental information portal. http://www.wri.org
World Wildlife Federation: Large international
non-profit dedicated to conservation. Site features current campaigns,
issue factsheets, and information about where WWF works around
the world. http://www.panda.org
Back to Top
Resources
on human development and demographics
Millennium Development Goals: The Millennium
Development goals are the major set of targets created by the
UN to reach human and environmental well-being. All 191 members
of the UN have pledged to meet the goals by 2015. Overall, there
are 8 goals, 18 targets, and 48 indicators on poverty reduction,
education, health care, and other development issues http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/
Human Development Reports: This is a portal
to the Human Development Reports, which are issued each year by
the. The reports, which have a different theme each year, provide
an excellent overview of the state of human and environmental
development, sustainability, democracy, and related issues. The
searchable site allows you to choose reports from specific years.
http://hdr.undp.org/reports/
United Nations Development Program: Offered in
English, French, or Spanish, the UNDP site is a portal for the
annual Human Development Reports, which contain the most recent
data on population, poverty, access to education and health care,
and other aspects of human development. http://www.undp.org
Genderstats: Statistics and gender, education,
health care, and other topics organized by country. http://genderstats.worldbank.org/home.asp
Unicef: This UN site has demographic and gender-related
statistics, organized by country. http://www.unicef.org/statis/
World Bank: Site includes large amount of world
economic statistics and development data, both in PDF format and
printable pages/tables. Allows comparison across time, among countries,
between world income levels, and more. http://www.worldbank.org/data
World Factbook: The United States' Central Intelligence
Agency's reference pages provide basic economic, population, military,
geographic, communications, transportation, and other information
for every country. Also includes printer-friendly version, maps,
and comparison charts among countries. http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/index.html
United Nations Population and Development: This
site provides links to data on population, poverty rate, water
stress, carbon emissions, and other human and environmental indicators.
http://www.un.org/esa/population/
Back to Top
Instructional Materials for K-12 classrooms
Ecological Footprint Calculator and Lessons:
Measure your ecological footprint. Easy interactive quiz measures
your individual impact on the planet, and urges creative thinking
about how to reduce your footprint. Links to lesson plans and
other resources. For elementary students, see http://www.kidsfootprint.org
For older students: http://www.myfootprint.org
Environmental Research Portal for High School Students:
A team of EPA environmental educators have created a new web site
based on the Guidelines for Excellence in EE to help high school
students find good environmental information. The web site contains
easy to find information about air and water issues, waste and
recycling, conservation, health and safety, ecosystems, and community
environmental conditions. It also links interested students to
internship and scholarship opportunities, environmental careers
and community involvement projects. http://www.epa.gov/highschool/
The Global Education Project: This comprehensive
resource summarizes the conditions of the world's ecology and
humanity and how they affect each other. A valuable tool for anyone
teaching about or striving to understand the world's complex environmental
and humanitarian challenges.http://www.theglobaleducationproject.org/index.shtml
Affluenza (56 min./VHS). Available from PBS:
This film uses personal stories, expert commentary, and vintage
film clips to explore the personal, social, and ecological impacts
of heavy consumerism. www.pbs.org/kcts/affluenza/index.html
To order a VHS copy, contact Bullfrog Films at 1-800-543-FROG,
by e-mail at bullfrog@igc.org, and on the Web at www.bullfrogfilms.com.
Counting on People: Elementary Population and
Environmental Activities. Available from Zero
Population Growth: "Counting on People is an exploratory
guide to help elementary students understand their connections
to other people, all living things and the world around them."
http://www.populationeducation.org
Multiplying People, Dividing Resources: Global
Math activities. Available from Zero Population Growth. For grades
5-10, this curriculum teachs math through current global issues,
including population growth, biodiversity, climate change, and
natural resource use. http://www.populationeducation.org
Pachamama: Our Earth, Our Future. Available from
the UN Environmental Program. Introduction for young people to
the environmental challenges of the 21st century. Includes personal
accounts from young people around the world, poems, illustrations,
and more. http://www.earthprint.com/show.htm
Sharing a Small World: Environmental Activities for Young
Learners. Available from Zero Population Growth. A collection
activities that helps learners ages 4-7 explore their connection
to other people, all living things, and the environment, including
population dynamics, resource use, and human impact on the environment.
http://www.populationeducation.org
Material World: A Global Family Portrait by Peter
Menzel. Random House. (1995) Families around the world are pictured
standing among all their possessions. An excellent starting point
for exploring needs vs. wants from a global perspective. Available
at bookstores or at www.amazon.com.
United Nations "Cyberschoolbus": The
UN 'cyberschoolbus' offers multiple lesson plans, curricula, on-line
games and quizzes, and interactive maps and databases that help
students use global data and research. www.un.org/cyberschoolbus
World Population Video. Available from Zero Population
Growth. Seven minute graphic presentation of human population
growth over all of human history from 1 AD to 2030, as dots light
up on a map to represent millions of people in the world. Very
powerful for all ages http://www.populationeducation.org
Back to Top
|
