Ecological footprint: The case of Gaziantep

Ever since man was created and lived on earth, he has continued to live in harmony with nature and has left many traces on the world since its existence. The increasing nature threat chain in the form of rapid population growth, industrial and technology activities, global competition, unconscious and unlimited consumption concept adds new threats to its ring day by day. With the accumulation and cooperation of these threats, many environmental problems such as decreases in biodiversity, global warming, acid rain, water, soil and air pollution, unplanned urbanization, and depletion of natural resources increase. In parallel with this situation, the carrying capacity of the ecosystem is exceeded and the harmony of human with nature is gradually decreasing. Ecological footprint is a method developed to measure the impact of human activities on ecosystems. Since it reveals the interaction between supply and demand for natural resources, it creates a scientific basis for recognizing the imbalance on resources and producing solutions to eliminate this imbalance. In this respect, studies to reduce the ecological footprint are becoming increasingly important. In today's conditions, the targeted economic growth due to the increase in the welfare level has brought about changes in the consumption habits of the developing resources. As a natural consequence of this situation, humanity has ignored the ecosystem reserve of the planet it lives in and has continued its life within the framework of unsustainable habits. This study aims to reveal the impact of people living in the ancient city of Gaziantep, one of the rarest cities of Turkey, on the natural environment with a measurable ecological footprint. Qualitative research methods were emphasized in the study. A literature review was made and videos on the subject were watched. In addition, an ecological footprint survey consisting of 16 questions was applied in Gaziantep Şahinbey and Şehitkâmil districts. The obtained data were analyzed in detail and the writing phase was started. In the study, it was concluded that people's approach to the natural environment also changed depending on the changing world conditions. This situation has brought about an increase in the ecological footprint of the people living in Gaziantep. Keywords: Ecological Footprint, Sustainable Development, Rapid Population Growth, Recycling.