Unit 5 - Alberta's Land-use Framework


Lesson 6: Reducing Our Human Footprint

What is Meant by Human Footprint?


Human footprint is "the surface area of land disturbed from its natural condition by human activity, and the associated impact to or on related natural resources."

 Human footprint is "the surface area of land disturbed from its natural condition by human activity, and the associated impact to or on related natural resources."

For example, a human footprint can include 

  • visual disturbance caused by a forest access road 
  • fragmentation of the landscape 
  • campground garbage

During our recent high rate of industrial development, we have become aware of our growing impact on the environment because of transportation and utility corridors (roads, powerlines, pipelines, etc.) and oil and gas developments within forests. Land-use decisions should try to reduce such human footprints on Alberta's landscape.



 


Reducing the Human Footprint Through Efficient Use of Land

The Land-use Framework gives examples of land-use decisions that promote efficient use of land which reduces the human footprint. These examples are

  • Minimize the amount of land that is taken from undeveloped or extensive use and placed in permanent use for residential, commercial, industrial, transportation, utility corridors, or intensive recreational purposes. 

  • Use "green" technology in new development projects that will reduce the impact on natural systems. 

  • Encourage higher density where redevelopment opportunities occur. 

  • Support development where infrastructure capacity (water, sewer, roads, and other infrastructure) already exists. 

  • Plan land uses to reduce the frequency and length of travel for business and pleasure by promoting mixed-use development (industrial, commercial, and residential). 



Unspoiled Beauty:

A natural setting...

with very little sign
of human footprint.