Ecological Footprint Concept: A Case Study From Anadolu University

Abstract

Quantifying the impact of humans on the environment is very difficult due to its complex nature. An ecological footprint is an effective tool and indicator that quantitatively reveals the impact of human beings on the world while maintaining their vital activities, the cost of living or their burden on nature. In this study, the ecological footprints of 179 teacher candidates studying at Anadolu University Faculty of Education were determined by using an international scale. 34.1% of teacher candidates were in the department of primary school education, 35.2% in the department of pre-school education and 30.7% in the department of special education. The ecological footprint results were given in the categories of date, necessary world, land type, consumption categories, ecological footprint, a carbon footprint and percentage effect of carbon footprint on ecological footprint. According to the results, no significant difference was found between the ecological footprints of teacher candidates based on department and gender (except services footprint). However, the ecological footprint values of the teacher candidates were above the average of Türkiye (p