Dr. Mathis Wackernagel established 30 years ago an accounting system to compare the size of human economies with the capacity of ecosystems to regenerate. This impact measure, called “footprint” has now become a generic name for all human impact, whether carbon or ecological footprint. Mathis’ work has focused not only on making ecological overshoot accessible and relevant to decision-making, but also on showcasing the economic advantage of accepting rather than denying this reality. In 2003, he co-founded Global Footprint Network, a sustainability think-tank, possibly most known for its annual Earth Overshoot Day. His awards include various honorary degrees as well as the 2018 World Sustainability Award, the 2015 IAIA Global Environment Award, the 2012 Blue Planet Prize, and a 2007 Skoll Award.
