What is an ecological footprint?

An ecological footprint quantifies the demand humans place on Earth's ecosystems. It measures the amount of biologically productive land and water area required to supply the resources consumed and absorb the waste generated by an individual, community, or organization. This concept reflects the overall environmental impact of human activities and helps illustrate how much of nature's resources are used to support lifestyles.

While other options touch on related environmental concepts, they do not accurately define what an ecological footprint is. For instance, measuring biodiversity pertains to the variety of life within an ecosystem, and strategies for sustainable development focus on practices that promote economic growth while maintaining ecological balance. Additionally, assessing natural disaster risks involves analyzing vulnerabilities and potential hazards in specific areas, which is a different focus altogether. Thus, option B is the most accurate description of an ecological footprint.