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Mathis Wackernagel

Ecological footprint pioneer and sustainability advocate

Mathis Wackernagel is a prominent Swiss sustainability advocate and a key figure in ecological metrics. He is best known as the co-creator of the Ecological Footprint concept and the founder of the Global Footprint Network, an organization dedicated to promoting sustainability through resource accounting.

Professional Background

Wackernagel holds a degree in mechanical engineering from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and earned his Ph.D. in community and regional planning from the University of British Columbia in 1994. His doctoral work focused on developing the Ecological Footprint methodology alongside Professor William Rees.13

He has extensive experience in sustainability, having worked with various governments, corporations, and NGOs across six continents. Wackernagel has authored over 100 peer-reviewed papers and has contributed to several influential books on sustainability.23

Current Roles

As of August 2021, Wackernagel serves as a Board Member at rePLANET, an organization that aims to enhance the financial viability of ecological restoration by attracting private sector funding, particularly for mangrove reforestation projects.456 He is also a co-founder and the President of the Global Footprint Network, where he continues to advocate for the use of the Ecological Footprint as a tool for measuring humanity's demand on nature.34

Awards and Recognition

Wackernagel has received numerous accolades for his contributions to sustainability, including the IAIA Global Environment Award and the Zayed International Prize for Environment. He has also been honored with honorary doctorates from the University of Bern and the University of Stirling.134

In summary, Mathis Wackernagel is a leading figure in sustainability, recognized for his innovative approaches to measuring ecological impact and promoting sustainable practices globally.

Highlights

Aug 31 · linkedin

Here, I am spending a few days in Uruguay, one of the richest countries in the world - with much social capital and strong, collaborative institutions, and with a significant biocapacity reserve. Biocapacity is becoming the most limited and critical portion of the wealth equation, being the most limited resource in the world. Uruguay has 5 times more biocapacity per person than the world.

What does this mean for the competitiveness of countries as lucky as Uruguay, and what kind of approaches help them build on their strength?

This we discussed with many political leaders here in Uruguay, mayors and ministers at this inspiring event in Punto del Este

Aug 24 · linkedin

For those wondering what kind of investments may do better in a future of climate change and resource constraints, I wrote a mini-brief for investors: https://lnkd.in/gu5J7t3c.

It is a simple logic building on what leading companies like Schneider Electric or leading investors like André Hoffmann have already experimented with. Just check out André Hoffmann and Peter Vanham are proposing in their new book "The New Nature of Business."

#EarthOvershootDay #Overshoot #Climate

Related Questions

What is the Ecological Footprint and how does it work?
What are some of Mathis Wackernagel's most notable achievements?
How has the Global Footprint Network impacted sustainability globally?
What awards has Mathis Wackernagel received for his contributions to sustainability?
What is the role of the Global Footprint Network in addressing climate change?
Mathis Wackernagel
Mathis Wackernagel, photo 1
Mathis Wackernagel, photo 2
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Experience

Board Member at rePLANET (August 2021 - Present), Board Member at FoDaFo (June 2018 - Present), Co-Founder and Board Member at Global Footprint Network (June 2003 - Present)
Frank H. T. Rhodes Class of 1956 Visiting Professor at Cornell University (June 2011 - June 2014), Director of Sustainability Program at Redefining Progress (1999 - 2003), Coordinador at Centro de Estudios para la Sustantabilidad (1995 - 2000)

Education

Honorary Doctorate in Natural Sciences from University of Stirling (2022), Honorary Doctorate in Natural Sciences from University of Bern (2007), PhD in Community and Regional Planning from The Univer

Location

Oakland, California, United States