Eco-cultural Factors and Ecological Footprint as Variables and Measure of Environmental Consciousness and Accounting in Nigeria

Abstract

The natural environment is Earth’s major asset for humanity, with studies showing less than one-eighth of the planet being available for man’s use. In the past, this has been able to support mankind, but, recently, there have been serious overshoots that have prompted various nations to calculate the impact of their ecological footprint (EF) on the Earth’s bio-capacity. Many cultural factors influence EF levels and man’s attitude toward the environment. This present study investigated these factors: the locations, genders, educational backgrounds and age differences of the respondents randomly drawn from two Nigerian locations. Previously developed and validated EF question items were used for data collection, with t-test and ANOVA methods indicating no significant difference among the considered variables. The EF measures had neither on the low or high indications, which may be attributed to low environmental consciousness cancelled by a low standard of living. Observation, however, revealed serious prevalent economic issues in the region, suggesting the presence of environmental problems greater than EFs: incessant bush burning to kill animals, razing trees for firewood sales, environmental degradation and oil spillage are all contributing, dangerous factors. There is a definite need for established government policies to check the destructive practices, to promote positive environmental attitudes in the public consciousness and for keeping everyone accountable for the environment.

Keywords: Ecological Footprint, Cultural Factors, Environmental Consciousness and Accounting