What would 'one planet' living look like?
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Date
2015
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Melbourne Authors
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Office for Environmental Programs
Document Type
Masters Coursework thesis
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Citations
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© 2015 Lisa Louise Blake
Abstract
Humanity’s impact or ‘ecological footprint’ is exceeding the Earth’s biocapacity to replenish resources and absorb waste and pollutants by at least 50% (Rees & Moore, 2013). Here the feasibility and content of ‘one planet living’ (OPL) is explored based on an estimated equitable planetary ‘budget’, primarily based in the context of a developed nation. Those closest to achieving OPL, defined as having a globally equitable footprint, are reviewed. This includes the ‘Happy Planet Index’, countries that have achieved the most wellbeing and longevity for the lowest footprint, and ecovillage communities. This is then contrasted and discussed against an ‘average’ footprint, using Australia as a case study. The 'best practice' examples would require a reduction in footprint of around one third, for the average example of Australia, around 80%. The data indicates that this is feasible, although the diversity of lifestyles possible, along with data restraints, limit capacity to provide detail and certainty. Common themes are apparent, including significantly reduced consumption and fossil fuel powered mobility, limited consumption of animal products, reliance on renewable energy, minimal waste, efficiency technology and public sector footprint reduction.
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Keywords
ecological footprint, one planet, sustainable living