Narrator: Listen to part of a lecture in an environmental science class.
Professor: Today we're going to talk about the concept of 'ecological footprint,' which measures the demand humans place on natural ecosystems. Essentially, it calculates how much land and water area is required to support a population's consumption and waste. For example, if you drive a car, eat imported food, or use electricity from coal, your footprint increases. But here's the key point: the footprint isn't just about individual actions. It's also about the infrastructure and systems a society builds. For instance, cities with sprawling suburbs tend to have larger footprints per person than dense urban areas, because they require more roads, longer commutes, and larger homes. Interestingly, technology can help reduce footprints—like renewable energy and efficient appliances—but it can also create a 'rebound effect,' where savings in one area lead to increased consumption elsewhere. So, when we assess sustainability, we must look at both personal habits and systemic choices. Does anyone have a question? Student: Yes, professor. How does this apply to developing countries?
❓ 题目 According to the professor, what is an important factor that increases a city's ecological footprint?