| Abstract [eng] |
More and more cities in various foreign countries perform detailed calculations of cities ecological footprint to determine the extent of the negative impact on the envoronment, identify directions in which changes are needed, determine the cause of the problems and prepare measures to reduce the negative impact. Whereas the ecological footprint studies are not carried out in Lithuania, it‘s necessary to analyse the ecological footprint of major Lithuanian cities. Aim of the research – to evaluate Kaunas city ecological footprint according to biologically productive land area types and main consumption categories, and it‘s impact on sustainable urban development. From 2006 to 2012 Kaunas city ecological footprint increased by 70 percent or 2,91 gha/cap and reached 7,06 gha/cap in 2012. Dominant component of city ecological footprint – carbon footprint. Analysis of Kaunas city ecological footprint according to five main consumption categories showed that between 2006-2012 food, goods and shelter accounted for the largest part of ecological footprint generated by citizens, while services and mobility accounted for the smallest part. Ecological footprint analysis of Kaunas city showed that between 2006-2012 the city failed in sustainable urban development in terms of use of natural resources and consumption. Therefore, in order to reduce the ecological footprint generated by citizens it‘s necessary to change Kaunas city citizens buying behavior by promoting sustainable consumption. |
