Urbanisation and ecological footprints – UGC NET Question

Statements A, B, C and D are correct because they reflect the standard definition of ecological footprint, its relationship with urban consumption, and the role of design and comparative analysis. The metric estimates land and water area needed for resources and waste, urbanisation can expand demand, compact design and transit can lower per capita pressure, and footprints can be compared across places. Statements E and F are incorrect since ecological footprints do not capture cultural or spiritual values and clearly depend on both population and per capita consumption patterns. Therefore, the correct set of statements is A, B, C and D only.

Option A:
Option A is correct as it includes all the true statements about ecological footprints and excludes E and F, which exaggerate the scope of the indicator and over-simplify its determinants. It captures both the measurement concept and its practical uses in urban sustainability analysis.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it includes F, which claims that footprints depend only on population size. This ignores the crucial role of consumption levels and technology in determining the magnitude of ecological footprints, so the option mixes true and false statements.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect since it accepts both E and F along with the true statements. Adding E implies the indicator fully covers cultural and spiritual aspects, which it does not, and adding F misstates the drivers of ecological demand, making the whole combination invalid.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it omits A and treats only B, C and D as correct. Leaving out A removes the basic definition of ecological footprint, which is essential for understanding the rest of the statements.