Material footprint (Arab Countries, 2000–2019)

The material footprint represents the quantity of materials needed to manufacture all the items we purchase and use, such as clothes, appliances, and furniture. This footprint includes everything from the wood in our desks to the metals in our phones. By measuring the material footprint, we can understand the amount of resources extracted from the earth in a country. It helps us know if we are using too many things and increasing pressure on the environment. If the material footprint is large, it means we are using a lot of resources, which could be harmful to the planet. Therefore, by monitoring this footprint, we can try to use resources more wisely and protect the earth for future generations. The measurement unit is tons per capita. The figure illustrates the material footprint in 16 Arab countries in the year 2019.