The average ecological footprint of one Chinese citizen in 2006 was approximately 2.0 (a footprint of 2.0 means that that it takes approximately two global acres of resources to sustain each person in China). By comparison, the ecological footprint of the average American in 2006 was 24, which basically means that the typical American was using ten times the Amount of resources as the typical Chinese.
The problem is that the entire planet’s biocapacity is 4-5 global acres per person. This wouldn’t be much of an issue if everyone on earth lived more like the average Chinese rather than the average American. Unfortunately, those 1.3 billion people in China (not to mention their friends in India, Thailand, and the rest of the developing world) have a strange desire to live like we do here in the U.S. Instead of riding bicycles, they want to drive cars or SUVs; instead of eating their traditional, healthy, low-fat, mostly plant-based foods, they want to eat Big Macs and Kentucky Fried Chicken; instead of shopping at stores selling inexpensive locally produced products, the want to buy imported TVs, DCD players and Ipods at suburban-style mega-shopping malls. In short, they want exactly what we have, and, since everyone knows that our American way of life is as close to perfection as one can find in the universe, who can really blame them?
But, if everyone in China actually tried to live like the typical American, our fragile little planet would no longer be able to sustain life as we know it.
So, as I see it, we have two options:
1. We can tell the Chinese that they don’t have the right to live so damned irresponsibly and discourage them from trying to live the kind of lifestyle that we have here in the U.S. This, however, would be a bit hypocritical on our part…rather like telling the Brazilians they shouldn’t clear-cut their forests after we have all but decimated our own.
2. Or, we can try to set a moral example ourselves by taking the steps necessary to reduce our own exorbitant levels of consumption and, in doing so, reduce our ecological footprint to a more reasonable level. Don’t worry. This doesn’t mean that we would have to live like people in Bangladesh. We could, however, try to adopt some of the more ecologically sound practices of Europeans, whose average ecological footprint is only 4.9. Anyone whose ever been to Germany or France will tell you that life is pretty damned good in Europe, even if they do have to recycle and pay a bit more for gas than we do.
Perhaps if we did make an effort to get our ecological footprint down to even European levels, we might actually set a positive moral example for the developing world instead of promoting a model of consumption that can only lead to the death of our planet. Of course, this doesn’t mean that the Chinese will necessarily follow our example, but, at the very least, for once—just for once—we wouldn’t seem quite so hypocritical when we exhort other nations to behave responsibly.
Mike, you are the ultimate Euro-snob. Throughout this blog you have tried time and again to convince readers that all of the world's problems will be solved if we just tried to live like your pals in Europe. What you just don't get is that nobody wants to live like they do in Europe, not even the Europeans. That's why they are moving their economies more in line with our own American model.
ReplyDeleteYou are also a prophet of doom who continually ignores the fact that the kind of technological innovation that we Americans are great at will allow everyone to live like we do with much less of an impact on the planet. Within a decade I bet that the Chinese will be driving cars with hydrogen fuel cells which will produce almost no carbon emissions and which will help keep their ecological footprint below your 5.0 threshold. And these cars will be produced right here in the good 'ole U.S.A. by our own profit-driven, bottom line oriented auto industry.
Either have a little more faith in the future or find yourself a good doctor who can proscribe something for your depressed outlook on life. Like many of your fellow liberals, you seem to be incapable of thinking any positive thoughts about your own country or the state of our planet. Lighten up, man!
Mike, I would to surrender to your constant unsubstantiated priases of Europe but you provide little evidence. Europe is cause of all the world's problems, mishandling of the World's affiars throughout history has been Europes doing and today the Middle East conflict is problably the result of WWI so please stop. Europe is not a model of eco- living it is a model of survival and only recntly did that happen. Mike we don't have the space here to argue all the points so I will give you two:
ReplyDelete1) Personally I know my grandparents left Europe because they were starving and it was not that long ago. So I believe that Europe has had to make survival changes or they would all starve.
2) Mike how many places did you actually live in Europe, stay in any ghettos, impoverished neighborhoods etc. I don't know if every European would agree that life is great there.
Finally the ridiculous status symbols of SUVs, McMansions etc are the illusions that those without strive for and unless we collectively realiaze that we are not what we drive or live in we will always have this problem.
Just look around the Molloy parking lot and see what the student body is driving and these are supposed to be the future.
Sorry Mike that was three points
ReplyDeleteThe same issues keep resurfacing throughout this blog. We American eat too much, buy too much stuff, and use far too much of the world's resources. This sort of MEGACONSUMPTION is slowly destroying the planet, but conservatives like Narcissus and bklyn dem seem content simply to complain about every possible solution that any "liberal" comes up with to solve our ecological problems.
ReplyDeleteJust for once I would love to see Narcissus, bklyn dem, Publius, or any other fucking conservative do something other than bitch about how stupid liberal environmental policies are. Question: what specific public policy steps would you take to curb global warming, protect endangered species, and clean up our polluted air and waters?
Mike is absolutely right. Things are just going to get much worse as people in the developing world try to follow our insane way of life. But then, perhaps conservatives don't care about this because they are assuming that they will miraculously be lifted up into heaven after they have destroyed the planet. It must be nice to have that kind of faith.
You all need to realize that no place is perfect. Mike, you say how European society is so perfect and has no issues but your absolutely wrong. Like Bklyn said, there are ghettos and run down areas, and people are starving. So many people are coming over here because of starvation and persecution in some countries. If Europe is so perfect then why don't the europeans stay in Europe.
ReplyDeleteBesides you all complain about the US way of life, where we use too many resources and efficiently destroy our own planet day by day. Why don't you all just go to hell and shut up. Its stupid how we all biquer, no one society is perfect. Its even worse how everyone blames someone else for the worlds problems. You need to take a step back and look at the world as it is, countries everywhere are industrializing, and we are all contributing to the worlds issues. Just because Americans eat fatty foods and such doesnt mean we are killing the planet. This is a joint issue, lowering the consumption of resources in america will help, but what about all these developing countries that are trying to match our ways of lives. How many fast food chains do you see worldwide!!!! McDonalds and Fridays are worldwide serving these "fatty foods" that are straining society, cause people are trying to match our ways of life.
Its sickening when you guys sit here and blame America or say Europe is so perfect, check in with reality and realize that everyone is contributing to things themselves and we need to look at this as a worldwide problem, NOT a specific regions problem.
I agree (to an extent) with the opinion expressed in this blog. I don't think Mike is being too negative - we need people to scare us into reacting! The more we hear how we need to change the more action we'll take, or at least think about taking. Honestly, that's the real problem; everyone seems to assume someone else will take the initiative. To be perfectly honest, it's not just the U.S. that needs to make the effort to "set an example", the entire world needs to deal with the entire world's issues.
ReplyDeleteif one billion plus chinese made a footprint of 24, this world as we know it would come to an end. they can want to live like us all they want, but it would mean the ultimate demise of the planet. for anyone to go out today and buy an suv, you either have to be rich or a moron. i don't feel sorry for anyone who gets 15 miles to a gallon and still does 80mph on the parkway.
ReplyDeleteEurope sucks. They're definatly not the prime example of eco-living. But America sucks more, we're by far the worst. Oh well. The planet is just going to hell. Global Warming is already here, if we wanted to do something about it we should've started years ago.
ReplyDeleteOur moral response depends on our tolerance to inconvience. In addition to the "footprints" the airline industry should also take note. No plane should leave an airport without being completely full. Sounds like a great idea, looks good on paper, but wait til the next time we are delayed and we had to be there yesterday.
ReplyDeleteIn addition, what we can learn from the Europeans, they can learn from increased antismoking campaigns. Who needs more polutants in the air.
3. Large corporations still need to be held accountable for their neglect and mismanagement. Oil spills leave an untold generational mark.
i dont think the u.s has a right to tell anyone how to live their lives considering we produce a large percentage of the worlds trash. if china lived like us i think the results would be catastrophic. there should be a more universal recycling system put into place and enforced in the u.s., there should also be better mass transit systems in the u.s. so more people would have another option..
ReplyDeletewell i agree with mike when he stated that us americans can be very hypocritical . i also agree that we should start setting a moral example by taking steps to reduce our consumption - i'm just not so sure how easy that is going to be for most people. We are all so comfortable in our ways. Even though i believe that i have tried to make small changes in my everyday living, i see that my parents and most of the older generations are not trying to make any differences. Maybe this is because they are so set in their ways that it is too difficult for them to make the adjustments.
ReplyDelete1. why the hell would nebody choose to live like a chinese communist rather than an american.
ReplyDelete2. why change our ways to become more like the europeans when they are trying to be more like us at the same time.
3. as far as americans being hypocritical... fuck that we are the most powerful country in the world we do what want.
4. americans or conservatives are not just out to destroy the planet we r not the only ones poluting the planet.
5. silky sara obviously hates america!! screw that liberal hippy bullshit
Having a large family is what I strove for, not the status symbol of a McMansion and SUV, so... You call them status symbols, I call them my home and my way to transport my family. We have taken every opportunity to reduce our carbon footprint - changing our heating system, adding energy efficient windows and siding, and turning off the lights even when we are home. No TV for my kids, outside playing and using their imaginations is the only way.
ReplyDeleteI used to be a J.A.P., but things change and you grow up. Status is not as important as the roof over your head. Material things are not the things I strive for - the happiness of my children is.
I disagree with much of what Mike stated. Not all americans live they way he describes, sure we have fast food and SUV's..so SUE us! Many people in the US are ecologically informed and are attempting to change our over consumption in many ways. We have more fuel efficient cars, increases in recycling and the use of solar energy. Not every country is perfect and to point the finger at just the US is rediculous every country has its flaws and no one person should take statistics and point the finger at a single place in the vast universe..we are all at fault..!
ReplyDeleteI just believe that we need to realize what it is we actually consume. Realize its everyones problem and some of us need to do more than others but we all need to help. I am as pesimistic as it comes, but as im slowly learning a bad attitude doesnt change things only a positive outlook will work. So lets quit the shit, and start changing.
ReplyDeleteI believe be yourself everyone is already taken. We should learn from others, we should be 12 steps ahead of them. I don't agree that the United States people are eating Mcdees and shopping, who are they talking about! Not me. We definitely need change and we should be more aware on what is happening. If we don't have faith and trust in what is to become then we just need to trust in God and live good healthy happy lives.. What is coming our way is coming no matter how we go about it, and isn't there Mcdees is China..Who is trying to be like us!
ReplyDeleteOn the arguement on people leaving Europe because they were starving maybe we should let this person read 'confessions of an economic hit man'. And maybe the truth of how we affect the economic situation in other countries. We are creating problems but not willing to confess.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you have to say, but the problem is how do you change the mess that we have done with the environment or anything for that matter now? Do you know how hard it's going to be to try to convince millions and millions of people about changing their way of living? I think only a couple thousand(if any) might actually change their way of living because they might get scared of what might actually happen to us.On the other hand the rest,or the majority of people won't change their way of living now because they are so use to living a certain way! They definately won't change the way they see things and some just won't give a shit about anything or anybody.I just hope that when these people realize what they are doing it won't be too late or hopefully we'll still be around.The thing is that everybody around the world should do something about it and not just put the blame on this one or that one!
ReplyDeleteThis is not an important issue to be worried about. There was a time when asians, especially chinese and the indians tried to follow the life style and trends of Americans. Thats all over. immitating american life styles had lead into scarcity of resources and severe healthcare problems. Even most of the asians who are below the poority line are not been influenced by these trends. Asians learned a lesson. now they are very selective. In this era asians are more concerned about the future of mankind and are more cautious. they are in the process of developing new technologies which consume less resources and a healthy living (the japanese car which runs on water and the indian nano cars are examples).Now its the time for Americans to change.lets save our resources for our future."less luggage more comfort"
ReplyDeleteSara, I will pray for you for it seems you have not grasped the art of reading comprehension. I never said "liberal" once, but I will now. If you are labeling yourself a "liberal" then you are proving, by leaps and bounds, my perceived notoin that all those on the far left are intolerant, unhappy and down right nasty. The liberal speak of freedom and choice but boy do they come down on any person with a debate as to thier facts. Sara if this is what Higher Education has done for your way of thinking then I suggest you join the Marines. They are a whole lot more tolerant than you and you'll save mommy and daddy a bundle.
ReplyDeletePam Do you think everyone learned to read yesterday, you children crack me up. No kidding we as a nation ruin other economies, just watch and see how China falls, just like Japan in the 80's. My comment was about the Euro-worship that all you bubble children have.
ReplyDeleteGosh, you sound just like your president. Blaming other nations for all the mess.. If you were US president, what would you do? Invade china & correct them? Have you ever wondered which are the countries that have the highest number of psycho analyst? That should tell you about your way of life. & By the way, Bangladesh is a happy nation, in spite of all the natural disasters.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the fact that we Americans do need to change the way we live on a day to day basis. I believe that we are extremely spoiled in the way that we live and waste products. However, this is what sets us apart from the rest of the world. Maybe some changes should be made but not a lot of them.
ReplyDeleteIn its simplest form this is just an example of everyone wanting something they can't have. China envies our resources, or rather our gluttony, and we as Americans envy their ability to have a greener way of life.
ReplyDeleteNobody ever thinks of meeting in the middle, and I believe that would be the perfect solution for this issue. Americans would be able to live without damaging the environment, at least as much as they do now, if they simply stopped being so pig-headed and took the advice of others. As for the Chinese, they just need to realize there's nothing so amazing about the American way except how much money it costs to have it.
I believe that the examples set in this article are very intruiging. They allow you to think in ways that I never have before. The ecological footprints created by Americans can and should be reduced. The selfishness of most of the U.S really down grades the people that live here. We everyday can slowly but surely make a difference and diminish our footprints like the Chinese etc... The U.S seems to be better at giving demands rather than taking them or using others as positive examples. The way that I see it is if one by one Americans can take small steps to reducing their large negative steps that this world would be a better and more stable place to live.
ReplyDeleteI think it is wrong for Mike to say that we should live like other people live. It doesn’t work that way. I agree with the fact that we should be taking steps to live a healthier lifestyle and try to reduce the ecological footprint, but not doing it in a fake world where people are suppose to act like different people. We should be our own person and try to do what is best for the planet by making our own steps and taking our own actions instead of living how other people are used to living.
ReplyDeleteSara V.
DeleteI think Mike is right to some extent. As American's we already have a way of living and I feel like it would be nearly impossible to change as a whole. I do agree with the fact that American's should maybe make healthier decisions but it's not something that will happen over night. A lot of people are content with the way they live and wouldn't want to give it up. Ultimately we are hurting ourselves and some form of action needs to be done, but I think it might already be too late.
ReplyDelete-Alexandra P.
To some extent I do agree with this. Americans do set an example for most of the world and many countries follow in our footsteps. Americans should be making healthier and smarter decisions but we can't snap our fingers and expect millions of people to change their ways. Americans should stride towards making small changes and in the end will have great results. Everyone is always promoting change but results are rarely shown. There are many other ways to live without damaging our environment. But we shouldn't demand other countries like China to live like us, they should choose too on their own. Nothing good ever comes from making demands at people.
ReplyDeleteThis story is very interesting and I agree with some of the points. I do agree that we all can work together to make our planet better. Helping our planet can help us in many ways for example making better choices when it comes to resources. As for China wanting to live the same life as the United States, some one need to tell them that the way people are living in the United States its not helping the planet. Kadian G.
ReplyDeleteI do agree with some points being made here. But I honestly think it'll be very difficult for Americans to reduce our ecological footprint. Majority of Americans are not even thinking about the outcomes that our actions are causing. It's sad that the Chinese think we are perfect because in reality, we are really hurting the the world. As hard as it is, we should start taking little steps towards change because a lot of countries sees us, America, as the land to be. We need to take positive action.
ReplyDelete-Sunny C.
I find the ecological footprint of the average american to be disgraceful. As a "superpower", we should be leading the campaign to make green living permanent. We are doing the exact opposite. - Craig Calderone
ReplyDeleteThis article is very interesting and very eye opening. Who would have thought that we Americans are causing more harm to the planet than the Chinese are, when they are more heavily populated than we are. I agree with the second option in helping our planet by lowering our ecological footprint, to set an example for others and not just sit around and watch our planet slowly fade away. If more people took serious awareness to this issue I believe something amazing could be done, but unfortunately this may take time that we do not have.
ReplyDeleteThe second option seems more accurate in helping out planet so ourselves and our children can have a pleasant future. I feel as if most of the world lives like a subjectivist, people live their lives and let others do the same as long as there not interfering with others. People including myself cannot think and live like subjectivists. We have to live our lives first by answering this question: Is my action/s doing well for the planet, myself, my family and others? If our actions only answer one of the subjects in our question then it should be altered. There are two problems with my idea, one: how should this proposal be spread and second: how should people stay true to their environment, family, society and themselves.
ReplyDelete-Antoinette K
I dont think that Americans are thinking about the choices that they are making and how they will effect us in the longrun. Although some may see us as being a perfect society, we too are damaging our planet. By making a change we can in an way set an example for other countries. -Jenna G.
ReplyDeleteWheather we realize it or not ...as Americans we have the whole world looking at us and trying to copy our ways of living.
ReplyDeleteThe problem is that other coutries dont see our faults...Even crazier is that we as Americans is ourselves as perfect. Far from it!!! We destroy more than what we can salvage. I think we should adapte to the Europeans ways it seems to work just fine for them!!
Everyone knows that the American way of life is a good one and as close to perfection as we could get. Throughout history people have come to our country in order to reach that American dream. Unfortunately the things that make America all great are actually a hazard to our planet. We treat it like we could get a new one and when this article addressed that China, the country with so many people, live like us I thought that is one way to ruin our environment. China cannot act as thoughtless as us America do just because of how many people they have. America acting the way we do is bad enough but add about a few extra billion and we are just asking for disaster. The only I feel like we can change this problem was if everyone agreed to live a better, more environmental friendly life. Not just American but everyone. I don’t think anyone, including Europe, treat this planet with any respect and use as much resources as we do. We all have to take into consideration how we treat our planet.
ReplyDeleteI agree to an extent. But disagree on many things. The way Americans were spoken about was very stereotypical. Not everyone drives an SUV, not everyone eats fast food and big macs. I'm sure that many countries idolize America because we do have it all but that doesn't necessarily mean that those countries are going to forget about their own ways and traditions and just pick up on American life styles. Every situation and every country is different. Population is a major issues in many countries and we have to take into consideration on the harm that it is doing
ReplyDeleteI agree to a certain extent. We should cut back on the resources we are wasting and the toxic we do eat on a daily bases ( fast food ). Many other countries see America as being a great nation and for that same reason we should try and show them to protect the planet by using more eco-friendly methods. As suppose to driving to the store thats 2mins away why not ride your bike or walk there. The water in each house hold should have a limit per person .
ReplyDelete- Rodeliz R.
Americans are being self-centered. As a superpower and role model to the rest of the world I agree that we should lead by example. We need to adopt a similar lifestyle like the Europeans. Our nation needs to go green and start the trend for a healthier planet. In order to do this we should promote walking and biking, use cars that are better for the environment, and promote a healthier diet. We can also start consuming less to decrease our ecological footprint to 4. Americans are very relaxed on this subject and as a nation we need to care more about our planet rather than the size of our SUVs.
ReplyDelete-B. Darby
I think that Americans as well as the chineese need to be more green. If America starts to be more ecological I feel the rest will follow. Instead of eatig fast food we need to eat fresh foods. Instead of driving everywhere we need to ride out bikes or carpool. We're polluting this planet way to much and we need to find ways to make it better. The chineese especially need to take more precautions due to the amount of population -Sam B.
DeleteBoth options raise fairly good points. Option one to a certain extent does make sense, every nation should be responsible for their actions. For example, if someone jumped off a bridge, would you do it too? Therefore at the end of the day everyone should be making better decisions to better themselves or in this case nation. However option two is more appealing to me. For example the domino affect, what affects one eventually begins to affect the other. In this respect I feel that all nations should be Making a greater effort to make our planet healthier! Comsumption does make the world go around, but on the level that we Americans do it, is way too much! I do very much agree that we should reduce our spending and also what we eat. Now, I'm not suggesting we all become vegians, just more concious of the eating habits we make. Now we are seeing the affects of these choices for example young children being diagnosed with diabetes. This will affect the future, being that our children are our future!
ReplyDeleteBy: Sheika B
I think they should stop looking at how Americans are living their lives, because it is not all correct. Americans need to start doing things that will benefit the planet such as recycling and everyone else will look up to us as well and do what we do.
ReplyDeleteYelena M
I do understand that we do use so many resources. I went to Germany a few years ago and I noticed that their food portions are less and more people walked or used subways and buses then here in the United States. But there is a reason that so many Europeans are coming to the United States. The United States us the role model for other countries. I think if people are given ideas on how the can change our consumption this will help. With being taught the proper way, people might slowly be able to change their life style choices and other countries may follow.
ReplyDeleteI agree that we have a lot of problems in the world that are affecting our planet. If it is true that people in europe live better and wiser than we do by not wasting and only using what they need, then maybe we should find out where we are going wrong and try to make changes. Many people will oppose change and they will have different opinions, but our planet and its existence is at stake. I wouldn't recommend that the chinese follow in our footsteps even if we are a great country. The changes that should happen should be around the world and not just in one country. Our planet depends on every country playing a major role in protecting this planet.
ReplyDeleteAmerica has become a very selfish nation in the process of making life as "comfortable" as possible. We have become so used to living large that we have forgotten about taking care of the planet that has provided us with all of these luxuries. It would be hard to scale down the the footprint of the average Chinese citizen, but following the path of the Europeans would be a great start. In order for us to be great leaders for the world we must set the best example.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the second choice because even though it is not guaranteed that the Chinese will see our example and follow it, there is a chance that they might. Atleast we can say that we tried and we made an effort. As it states in the article " we might actually set a positive moral example for the developing world instead of promoting a model of consumption that can only lead to the death of our planet" I completely agree with this statement because I would not want to set a bad example that would lead to our planet coming to an end.
ReplyDeleteHere in America we do live a pretty good life so of course i undersatnd why others would want to live like us. But if this mean the our planet is would no longer sustain life then i agree with your second point. we as american shuold set a moral examples to others. Therefore we may last longer and with a better universe. Olga Agu
ReplyDeleteI agree with the opinion that telling China and other developing countries that they should do as we say not as we do is completely hypocritical. As long as they continue to have demand for the same food, cars, and over all lifestyle as us, corporations will be more than happy to supply them. This seems to be a snowball effect, it'll be nearly impossible to stop once these countries begin to follow in our over sized footsteps. Our best hope is to lead by example and find better alternatives to our lifestyles that developing countries can soon adopt.
ReplyDelete-kimberly c.