Customized municipal ecological footprint analysis: a case study of Arcata, California

Graduation Date

2008

Document Type

Thesis

Program

Other

Program

Thesis (M.S.)--Humboldt State University, Natural Resource Planning and Interpretation, 2008

Committee Chair Name

Michael D. Smith

Committee Chair Affiliation

Cal Poly Humboldt Faculty or Staff

Keywords

Ecological footprint, Humboldt Bay, Humboldt State University -- Theses -- Natural Resources Planning and Interpretation

Abstract

This thesis seeks to develop a procedure for evaluating the sustainability of Arcata, California and Humboldt State University (HSU) based on the Ecological Footprint (EF), a leading sustainability indicator. Building on two complimentary methods for calculating footprints for sub-national geographic areas, this thesis discusses conceptual and methodological implications and suggests improvements for enhancing the clarity and applicability of customized EF studies. I analyzed three study groups: Arcata residents, HSU, and Arcata and HSU combined. Based on the customized methodology, Arcata residents had a per capita EF of 8.18 global hectares in the year 2000; members of the HSU community had a per capita EF of 1.14 global hectares; and the combined communites of Arcata and HSU had a per capita EF of 8.69 global hectares. This methodology, while not directly comparable to other EF studies, is most effective for analyzing Arcata as a single unit while providing the most relevant data for local planning and sustainability strategies.

https://scholarworks.calstate.edu/concern/theses/7p88cj88w

Share

 
COinS