2007 Annual Report 2020

Home , Global Footprint Network, Richard Levine

07 global footprint network 2007 annual report 2020. looking ahead

1818. financials

1616. who we are

1313. donor profiles

1212. advancing the Science

1112. creating buzz

1010. the inside story

88. Partner Highlights

66. global footprint, local action

44. ending poverty: our Human Development initiative

22. The Footprint of nations

11. Letter from the Executive Director Letter from the Executive Director At Global Footprint Network we see ourselves as planetary accountants, using the Ecological Footprint to keep track of how much nature we have, how much we use, and who uses what. We believe monitoring our ecological assets is essential for sustainable development, particularly in today’s world, where humankind is in overshoot, using 30 percent more resources in a year than the planet can renew. While our data offers some bad news, it is also a great source of hope, providing people with the information necessary to drive action toward positive change. We see this over and over as we work in Europe, Switzerland, Africa, India, China, Japan, Belgium, Ecuador, France, Canada, and Australia, and with businesses, researchers, scientists, and cities all over the world. The more they know about their resource base – what they have and how they use it – the more confident they are about their future and their ability to thrive in a time of rapid change. Throughout this report you will see bits of bad news juxtaposed against promising new projects, collaborations, and progress being made by people just like you and me who have chosen to engage. Whether you are reading about the growing leadership of our 80+ partner organizations, like WWF’s decision to organize all “While our data offers some bad its activities around the goal of one-planet living, or you are reading about efforts being made to get the nation with the largest Footprint news, it is also a great source of hope, in the world, the United Arab Emirates, to adopt the Ecological providing people with the information Footprint as an indicator, in the following pages you will find hope. You will see how the Footprint has reached a new level of interest necessary to drive action toward in regional governments worldwide. You’ll learn about why leading positive change.” funders like the Skoll Foundation are investing in our vision of making Footprint accounting as prominent as the GDP. You will better understand the future that we are heading into, eyes open, rooted in data, and positioned for global change. I am thrilled to be able to present you with a 2007 Annual Report that is as much as anything an exploration of hope. The first section maps the impact the Ecological Footprint is having in the world and the second section lays out the ways in which Global Footprint Network has been able to strengthen itself, advance the Footprint, support our partners and grow our base of support, and move closer to our end goal: living within the means of one planet. By reading this report and supporting our work you are a part of this success. Thank you.

Mathis Wackernagel

The Footprint of nations In 2005, we launched a global campaign to institutionalize the Ecological europe In Europe, the Footprint is Footprint in at least 10 key nations by 2015. We named it Ten-in-Ten. We becoming the indicator of choice believe the way to make the Ecological Footprint as prominent a metric as the for many sustainability leaders. GDP is to build success stories country by country. In the first two years we have This year the Footprint underwent initiated projects in over two dozen nations. Our central aim is to encourage review by the European Union’s the review of the National Footprint Accounts, in a process initiated by national Environment Directorate-General. governments and conducted by independent third parties. The strategy: once The Footprint also was featured prominently at the historic Beyond a country gets behind Footprint data they will use it to set environmental policy, to GDP Conference this November, guide investment decisions, to inform trade and economic policy, and much where over 500 high-level Euro- more. Switzerland has completed its national review, and in Japan, Belgium, pean environmental, economic The United Arab Emirates, Ecuador, and France, national reviews are underway. and policy leaders, met to discuss alternatives to the GDP.

Scotland In November, the Scottish Government announced plans to reduce Scotland’s Ecological Footprint, to use the Footprint as a National Perfor- mance measurement, and to include the Footprint as a metric canada In Canada, the Foot- to inform its formal economic print is being integrated into the strategy. The Local Footprints national Canadian Index of Project and the Stockholm Well-being, a tool developed by Environment Institute released a the Atkinson Charitable Foundation report that analyzes Scotland’s (ACF) and other Canadian experts, Carbon Footprint and identifies to measure the economic, health, priority actions for reducing social and environmental progress Scotland’s carbon dioxide of Canadians. This year, Global emissions by 80 percent by 2050. Footprint Network has helped Statistics Canada evaluate the Footprint’s pertinence for Canada, france In October, President and has co-produced, with WWF Sarkozy’s new government held Canada, the 2007 Canadian a strategic meeting of French Living Planet Report. environmental leaders, the “Grenelle,” to develop a new policy agenda. One outcome ecuador In October, Global of the Grenelle was a national Footprint Network signed agree- commitment to review the ments with the Vice President of country’s Ecological Footprint Ecuador to conduct a collabora- accounts. The Institut Français tive review of Ecuador’s National de l’Environnement will conduct Footprint Accounts, and with the the review and a formal collab- Mayor of Quito to help conduct orative agreement with Global a Footprint study of Ecuador’s Footprint Network is in progress. capitol city. The public signing was part of Clima Latino, the largest ever Latin American conference Switzerland The Footprint is on climate change. One proposal on track to becoming central to from the event calls for all sustainability policy and decision- the country’s municipalities to making in Switzerland. In 2006 measure and monitor their the Swiss government commis- Ecological Footprints. sioned a full scientific review of the Swiss National Footprint Accounts, which received excellent media coverage in Swiss news- National Accounts reviews complete or in process papers and radio, and Swiss Active government collaborations and Footprint projects in process officials are now incorporating Footprint data into the nation’s Early discussions sustainability development plan. 2 Wales Wales has adopted the Belgium Global Footprint Austria This year, two Global Ecological Footprint as an indica- Network has formed a research Footprint Network Austrian tor of sustainability, and this partnership with the government partners, Plattform Footprint and year, Partner WWF launched the of Belgium via the Central Federal IFF Social Ecology, launched a One Planet Wales campaign. Planning Office and Belgium’s German language Footprint It also released a report written by statistical office. The partnership calculator. They have gained the University of Manchester’s will identify a research agenda support from Austrian Public Tele- Centre for Urban Regional Ecology, for a full review of the Belgian vision and the Austrian Ministry that challenges Welsh leaders to National Footprint Accounts. In of the Environment, resulting in reduce the nation’s Footprint and addition, the Footprint, and WWF a groundswell of interest, media improve its citizen’s quality of life Belgium’s Footprint calculator, attention and web traffic around by increasing efficiency in energy have received major media the Footprint in Austria. and resource management. coverage in Belgium, including a multi-part series in Le Soir and a Flemish television special.

Finland In 2007, Global Footprint Network partners, the Finnish Ministry for the Environ- ment and the Finnish Environment Institute conducted a full review and ‘re-calculation’ of Finland’s Ecological Footprint. Results will be released to the public and policymakers in early 2008.

Germany The Ministry for the Environment in Germany has commissioned a study of Ger- many’s Ecological Footprint. The study, conducted by Partners Best Foot Forward, SERI (Sustain- Japan In 2006, the Japanese able Energy Research Institute), Government adopted a National and Ecologic, an independent Basic Environment Plan that uses third-party reviewer, will test the the Ecological Footprint to monitor accuracy of Germany’s National progress, and the Japanese Footprint calculations and reveal Ministry of the Environment began areas for improvement. a review of Japan’s National Footprint Accounts. Global Foot- The United Arab Emirates print Network is providing technical The Environment Agency of Abu assistance and training to the Dhabi has launched a national Ministry and other Japanese initiative, Al Basama Al Beeiya research organizations involved (Ecological Footprint) to improve in the collaboration. the UAE’s National Footprint Accounts data. The initiative involves multiple research and policy stakeholders and aims to extend Ecological Footprint analysis into national policy by developing guidelines for establishing a more resource savvy nation.

If everyone lived like the average European, we would need 2.6 planets to support us FACT

3 Ending Poverty: Our Human Development Initiative

Traditionally, human development plans have not In 2007, Global Footprint Network began work considered ecological constraints. But with climate in Africa, India, and China to explore how change hitting drought-prone countries, and with Footprint analysis can provide a fuller picture of serious resource shortages in places such as in Haiti, the challenges of development and can help Rwanda and Darfur, it is clear that human well implement sustainable solutions. being can no longer be separated from ecological This year, we have made strides in bringing the health. Sustainable human development therefore Footprint into development projects in Africa, India, is a commitment to meeting human needs for all and China. people, while living within the means of one planet. The Ecological Footprint is an increasingly Africa Global Footprint Network is continuing its valuable tool for making sustainable human work in Africa, in partnership with SDC, conducting development measurable. workshops and drafting an upcoming report: This year, with the generous support of the Swiss Africa’s Ecological Footprint and Human Well-Being. Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), The report will include a broader discussion of the Global Footprint Network launched a new initiative impacts of ecological limits on populations in the that seeks to strengthen human development developing world. It will look at specific case studies through the use of the Ecological Footprint. The in Africa and include explanations of how the keystone research paper that outlines Global Footprint Ecological Footprint relates to biodiversity and water Network’s initiative linking the Footprint and the issues. Many national leaders – including repre- UN’s Human Development Index is titled, Measuring sentatives from Mozambique, the United Nations Sustainable Development – Nation by Nation, Environment Program, and the World Conservation by Moran et al. The paper was published this year Union – have expressed interest in working with in the journal Ecological Economics and was Global Footprint Network to include the Footprint featured in the New Scientist and European Union in other human development projects. policy circulars.

Currently, desertification makes 12 million hectares FACT of land useless for cultivation every year AAAS Atlas of Population and the Environment

4 “We need to move beyond conventional economic accounting. We are calling for new ways to measure and record progress so that we can take the necessary corrective measures to set

a more wise development path. -Chief Emeka Anyaoku, President of WWF International

India In 2008, an initial draft of the report Ecological China In November 2007, Global Footprint Network Footprint and Indian Business will be published by released a preliminary report on the Ecological Global Footprint Network, in partnership with the Footprint of China. In Summer 2008, in cooperation Confederation of Indian Industries. The report is the first with WWF China, Global Footprint Network will part of a multi-phase project that focuses on oppor- release the first-ever Living Planet Report China. The tunities that Indian business and industries have to report is being sponsored by the China Council for shape the Footprint of India, and the world. International Cooperation on Environment and Development, a high-level government advisory body that creates links between environmental protection and economic development in China. The council is using data on China’s Footprint to inform its policy advice in the spheres of international trade and climate change.

Combining the Ecological Footprint with the UNDP’s Human Development Index gives clear minimum conditions for sustainable human development, and shows how much more we need to “think inside the box”.

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UN Human Development Index (HDI)

Sustainable Development can be assessed using the Human Devel- global hectares per person makes a country’s resource demands opment Index (HDI) as an indicator of socio-economic development, globally replicable. Despite growing adoption of sustainable and the Ecological Footprint as a measure of human demand on the development as an explicit policy goal, most countries and the biosphere. The United Nations considers an HDI of over 0.8 to be world as a whole do not meet both minimum requirements. “high human development.” An Ecological Footprint less than 1.8 5

GLOBAL FOOTPRINT, LOCAL ACTION

The Ecological Footprint is being used by local governments and businesses around the world to inform sustainability policy and measure Footprint reductions. Here we look at this year’s innovative uses of the Footprint for local policy action.

Canada The United States Three new, active Global Footprint Network govern- The Utah Population and Environment Coalition, mental partners — the City of Calgary, the Auditor a Global Footprint Network partner, successfully General’s Office of Quebec, and the City of completed the first major calculation of the Ecological Vancouver — are measuring the Ecological Foot- Footprint of a US state. The group released a report, print for their regions and using it to inform their Utah Vital Signs 2007: the Ecological Footprint citizens, to review their sustainability policies, and to of Utah, that is based on a nine-month study using set sustainability targets. Calgary’s report for their National Footprint Accounts data and state statistics. planning and budgeting process stirred up much The group has used the study as a platform to discussion about how decisions today will determine engage with citizens and government officials about citizen behavior for much of the rest of the century. considering ecological limits in the state’s decision- Bioregional North America, based in Canada, has making. The report has sparked interest in more state also become a Global Footprint Network partner and city level Footprint analyses in the US, including and has begun establishing a “One Planet Living” potential projects in California, North Carolina Community in Montreal. and New York.

Humans have been exceeding the earth’s ability FACT to support our lifestyles for over 20 years

6 “To end overshoot we must start building smart for the future–designing cities, transport, power systems, and living spaces that will allow us to live better lives with lower Footprints” –Mathis Wackernagel, Executive Director, Global Footprint Network

Australia The UK The Premier of South Australia announced plans in The Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) at York, 2007 to bring ‘Ecological Footprint’ thinking to a founding Global Footprint Network partner, has the core of government decision making by including continued to help local policymakers understand the Ecological Footprint as a key sustainability and measure the environmental pressures associated indicator in South Australia’s Strategic Plan. The with human consumption with REAP, the institute’s Plan, launched in Spring 2007, establishes a target environmental impact modeling tool. REAP generates to reduce South Australia’s Ecological Footprint indicators on the Ecological Footprint as well as by 30 percent by 2050. In Victoria, our partner greenhouse gas emissions and product material EPA Victoria launched a “banner competition” flows, and is now being used by every local authority for Victorian primary school students – over 150 in the UK, and at the regional and national levels banners were submitted, each identifying ways that as well. In 2007, SEI trained over 200 policymakers students could reduce their Ecological Footprint. to use the tool, and the BBC picked up on the trend and ran a series of stories comparing the Footprints of different cities in the UK.

The carbon portion of the Ecological Footprint has grown more than any other component, increasing 700% since 1961 FACT

Partner Highlights

Our Partner Network comprises over 80 organizations Footprint Tools for Business that share the vision of living within the means of In July 2007, Best Foot Forward in the UK launched one planet. Partners play a vital role in guiding our “Footprinter”, an easy-to-use online carbon and research agenda and contributing to the development Ecological Footprint calculation and management of Footprint methodology and standards. They are tool for business. In just six months Footprinter the world’s leading Footprint experts, working with generated 700 users and Best Foot Forward produced business, government and individuals to make the specialized versions of the tool for the service Footprint relevant and practical. Through their and construction sectors. Footprinter has already collaboration with us and with one another they create attracted an award from Adobe for it’s innovative change in ways that would not be possible by working use of web technology. alone. Below are just a few stories of some our ISA at the University of Sydney has created a full partners’ recent successes. sustainability reporting tool called, “TBL3” that includes Ecological Footprint data. Using an input- output economic methodology, the software converts an organization’s financial accounts into reports that cover a range of social, environmental, and economic indicators of an organization’s direct and indirect impacts.

“Joining Global Footprint Network has been a great opportunity to get connected to a group of people who are thinking creatively and with great discipline about the future.” -Leslie Christian, Portfolio 21

8 PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS International Bioregional • Earthday Network • Institute for Environmental Security • IRES (Istituto (University of Sydney) • Western Region Environment • ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability • WWF Ricerche Economiche e Sociali del Piemonte) Centre • Zero Waste South Australia • LEAD International (Leadership for Environment • Novatlantis • OeKU (Ecumenical Working-group North America AASHE (Association for the and Development) • nrrg4SD • WSP Environmental on Church and Environment) • Pictet Asset Management Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education) United Kingdom Best Foot Forward • BRASS at • Plattform Footprint • Rete Lilliput • SERI (Sustainable • BC Hydro • Center for a New American Dream Cardiff University • Hertfordshire County Council Europe Research Institute ) • St. Petersburg State • Center for Sustainable Innovation • City of Calgary • Local Footprints Project • London Remade • New Eco- University • University of Genoa, Department for the • City of Vancouver • Elephant Care International nomics Foundation • Optimum Population Trust Study of Territory and its Resources•University of Siena, • Environmental Performance Group • Global • SEI (Stockholm Environment Institute) • Web of Hope Department of Chemical and Biosystems Sciences Green USA • GPI Atlantic • Le Vérificateur Général • Welsh Assembly Government Africa & the Middle East Emirates Environmental du Québec • Marin Community Development Continental Europe AGIR21• Ambiente Italia Group • North West University Center for Environmental Agency • Natural Logic • Ozolab • Planet2025 • Angenius • Centre for Sustainable Tourism and Management Network • Portfolio 21 Investments • Sustainability Transportation • Charles University Environment Asia Confederation of Indian Industries • Ecological Planning Partners • Sustainable Earth Initiative Center • Conseil régional Nord Pas de Calais Footprint Japan • Global Village Beijing • GIDR • The Cloud Institute for Sustainability Education • Cras s.r.l.(Centro Ricerche Applicate per lo Sviluppo (Gujarat Institute of Development Research) • Kadoorie • The Sustainable Scale Project • University of Wisconsin, Sostenibile ) • De Kleine Aarde’ (The Small Earth) Farm & Botanic Garden • Maximo T. Kalaw Institute SAGE • Utah Population and Environment Coalition • EcoIntelligent Growth • Empreinte Ecologique for Sustainable Development • Zerofootprint SARL • ENO (Environment Online) • ENS des Australia Eco-Norfolk Foundation • EcoSTEPS Central & South America CES (Centro de Mines de Saint Etienne • Finnish Ministry of the • EPA Victoria • Government of South Australia, Estudios para la Sustentabilidad) Centro Universitario Environment • Government of Catalonia, Ministry of Department of the Premiere and Cabinet • ISA Hispano Mexicano • Ecossistemas Design Ecológico Environment & Housing • IFF Social Ecology • Instituto de Ecología Política (Institut für Interiszip-linäre Forschung und Fortbildung)

Partner stories Maximo Kalaw Institute for Sustainable Development Environmental Performance Group (USA) became a (Philippines) is using the Footprint to demonstrate Global Footprint Network partner in April 2007 and the unsustainability of Philippine urbanization. In has since completed the first US Ecological Footprint 2007, the Institute, working with WWF Philippines, calculations for food manufacturing and for two worked with property developers to measure impacts leading US resorts. and mitigate unsustainable property development in the Philippines. Bioregional (United Kingdom) has been trained in technical Footprinting and has committed to including Bioregional and WWF (United Kingdom) helped Footprint analysis as part of their One Planet Living the City of London successfully win its Olympic bid, program, which has One Planet Living communities in based on the compelling vision of a One Planet development in the UK, US, Canada, South Africa, Olympics. Consequently, the London 2012 Olympic Portugal, China, the UAE, and Australia. and Paralympic Games has commissioned the calculation of its Ecological Footprint so that it can Emirates Environmental Group (United Arab Emirates) reduce the impact of the global event. A UK-based is expanding the reach of the Footprint in the Middle Global Footprint Network partner is conducting East through its support of the recent adoption of the the analysis. Footprint by the UAE and by conducting extensive outreach on the carbon and Ecological Footprints. They are also incorporating better green building practices into construction activities in Dubai.

52% of fish stocks are fully exploited, being fished at their maximum capacity; 24% are over exploited, depleted or recovering from depletion FACT Source: Food and Agriculture Organization

the inside story

In 1990, University of British Columbia Professor Global Footprint Network ended 2007 as an organi- William Rees and Swiss-born doctoral student Mathis zation that is strategic, dynamic, evolving, and Wackernagel created the Ecological Footprint. still committed to the core programs outlined when Fourteen years later, in 2003, Mathis Wackernagel it began – Footprint research, methodological and his wife, long-time sustainability consultant standards, partnership, and innovative applications – Susan Burns, realized that the Ecological Footprint all of which make the Ecological Footprint’s needed its own organization in order to evolve global impact possible. from a grassroots tool to a policy tool at the national The following section highlights some of the and international level. They started Global organization’s internal progress, acknowledges Footprint Network out of a spare bedroom of their many of the people who make this work possible, home. With one salary between them and two and sketches a map of the road ahead. other employees they began bringing the Footprint to decision-makers around the world. Today Global Footprint Network is a 20 person organization with three offices worldwide and over 80 international partners, all aligned around the vision of living within the means of one planet, and co-creating the successes highlighted in this report.

Humanity’s Ecological Footprint has FACT more than tripled since 1961

Creating “Buzz”

Ecological Debt Day The Footprint on TV In 2007, October 6th marked Ecological Debt The Sundance Channel’s Big Ideas for a Small Planet Day – the day when humanity had consumed all featured Global Footprint Network in an episode the resources the planet produced in the year. this summer showing Global Footprint Network For the second year in a row, Global Footprint staff examining the Ecological Footprint of common Network has run a successful international media workplaces. Also, in collaboration with Bioregional, campaign on Ecological Debt Day and shared Global Footprint Network is working with the the story around the world with the help of many Discovery Channel on a new series called, partners. This year’s press releases were picked WA$TED!, which uses Ecological Footprint data to up in over ten languages, with coverage in Australia, examine the household Footprint of American Austria, Belgium, China, Finland, Germany, Italy, families. WA$TED! will premier in 2008. Japan, the Philippines the Netherlands, Sweden, South Africa, the UK, the US, and the United Speaking Events Arab Emirates. Throughout 2007 Global Footprint Network staff gave presentations and conducted workshops in Personal Footprint Calculator over 20 countries. This year Global Footprint Network has focused intensively on developing a web-based Ecological Locations Footprint calculator for the general public to raise • Canada Victoria, BC; Halifax, NS; • Japan Kyoto, Tokyo awareness about ecological overshoot, foster Ottawa, ON; Calgary, AB • Ecuador Quito, Guayaqui Footprint communities, and encourage action. The • england London • UAE Dubai, Abu Dhabi calculator will combine the best functionality • Wales Cardiff • Algeria Algiers of existing calculators and today’s most popular • Switzerland Bern, Basel, St. Gall • Switzerland Montreaux networking sites into a dynamic web 2.0 portal • Spain Lisbon, Barcelona • Portugal Lisbon built around the theme of sustainability. The • Sweden Stockholm • California Palo Alto, Berkeley, Australian Beta version was released in late 2007 • Luzembourg Luxembourg Oakland, Monterey, San Francisco, and the US version is scheduled to launch in • Belgium Brussels Sacramento, Tiburon, Santa Barbara 2008, with more nations to come. • France Paris • New York New York City, Syracuse • Holland Utrecht, Zaist • South Carolina Charleston • Italy Mestre, Padova • Colorado Aspen • Denmark Copenhagen • Nevada Las Vegas • Germany Frankfurt • New Hampshire Hanover

Advancing the Science

Footprint Conference National Accounts This fall, Global Footprint Network Executive Improvement Project In May 2007, leading Footprint practitio- Director, Mathis Wackernagel, received ners, researchers, users, and policymakers Global Footprint Network serves as the an Honorary Doctorate in natural sciences gathered in Wales for the first international steward of the National Footprint Accounts, from the University of Bern in Switzerland for, academic Ecological Footprint conference. the calculation system that measures the “Developing and promoting the internationally Hosted by Global Footprint Network’s Ecological Footprint and biological capac- recognized method of the Ecological Foot- partners at the BRASS Centre at Cardiff ity of individual nations over time. Based print; for authoring numerous scientific and University, the conference drew over 200 on about 4,000 data points per country popular media contributions on the topic participants from 112 organizations in per year, and over 30,000 calculations, of ecological carrying capacity and sustainability; for being an inexhaustible Footprint 23 countries to learn about the latest the National Footprint Accounts evaluate spokesperson on all continents; for starting research in Ecological Footprinting the Footprints of 152 countries from 1961 the Global Footprint Network; and for science, best-practices, and innovative to the present and form the basis for bringing together scientists and politicians.” applications. Global Footprint Network Ecological Footprint applications worldwide. staff gave keynote speeches, facilitated Although these accounts provide the most The National Accounts Committee, workshops, and presented two method- robust and comprehensive aggregate which is comprised of representatives ology papers: “A Research Agenda for indicator of human pressure on ecosystems from key Global Footprint Network Improving National Ecological Footprint currently available, the National Footprint partner organizations, oversees meth- Accounts” and “A ‘Constant Global Accounts are a work in progress. In 2007, odological improvements. Together with Hectare’ Method for Representing in collaboration with its partners, Global committee members, in 2007, Global Ecological Footprint Time Trends.” Footprint Network launched the National Footprint Network produced an academic Accounts Improvement Project, a long- While in Cardiff, Global Footprint paper outlining plans for 26 long-term term strategic research and development Network also held a series of facilitated methodological improvements to the initiative to continually improve the meetings for the Footprint Standards accounts. The paper was released at the accuracy, transparency, and applicability Committee and outlined a process for Cardiff Ecological Footprint conference of the National Footprint Accounts. completing more specific Footprint in May 2007 and will be published in Standards for organizations and products In early 2007, Global Footprint Network 2008. Additionally a major redesign and which should be ready for public completed a comprehensive review methodological improvement for comment in 2008. of the National Footprint Accounts and the 2008 edition of the National Footprint began a guidebook for, and detailed Accounts is underway and will be used documentation of, the use and methodology as the basis for WWF’s Living Planet behind them to increase the transparency Report 2008. and accessibility of the Footprint calculations.

DONOR PROFILES

Michael Saalfeld Kristin Cobble The spirit of Global Footprint Network Entrepreneur Leadership and organizational development is collaborative, which promotes com- Hamburg, Germany and Hawaii practitioner, Global Business Network; munication with all stakeholders, creating Global Footprint Network Board Member consensus among partner organizations, In 1854, Henry David Thoreau, the famous San Francisco, CA American naturalist and philosopher, and between partners and government My background in systems thinking and declared the purpose of his two-year agencies. There is an open dialogue and organizational behavior is what interested sojourn at Walden Pond. He wrote: sharing of information towards a common me originally in supporting Global goal of protecting the earth. “ I went to the woods because I wished Footprint Network. I am thrilled to join My passion for the environment came to live deliberately, to front only the the Board of Directors because I believe from growing up in Oklahoma and essential facts of life, and see if I could Global Footprint Network is one of the Kansas, walking across the open plains. not learn what it had to teach, and most systemic, high leverage organiza- The solace of that undisturbed natural not, when I came to die, to discover tions that can create change for the environment gave me an emotional that I had not lived.” good of the planet. I see the organization and spiritual grounding that helps me Today my good friend and colleague succeeding in communicating its mission, to make better choices. That “place” Mathis Wackernagel invites us to continue bringing along individuals as well as in Nature is where anyone can access that transcendental journey through the organizations, corporations, and national a higher intelligence to do better work work of Global Footprint Network. Like governments for the ride. in the world. I believe strongly in Thoreau, he summons us to examine Once people have feedback, they can protecting as much nature as possible our lives deliberately, to confront the change their behavior, and that’s what and Global Footprint Network helps scope of our environmental impact – as Global Footprint Network does. Once you people see the importance of protecting individuals, and as citizens. The thorough- measure your Ecological Footprint, you land and water, and the potential conse- going metrics of an Ecological Footprint have feedback that can guide your daily quences of consuming too much of challenge us to reexamine the premises decision making process at all levels, our earth’s resources. of our lives, the resources we consume, increasing your motivation to change and the technologies we employ, and the lessen your impact on the earth. fragility of our post-industrial civilization.

Deforestation, mainly the conversion of forests to agricultural land, continues at a rate of about 13 million hectares per year. The current rate of loss does not appear to be slowing down, and FACT may actually be increasing as a result of clearing forests for the production of biofuels.

donor profiles

Sarosh Kumana I believe that we are in a critical period Peter Seidel President at Pacific Capital Management when change, and possibly radical Environmental architect and planner;Author and Pacific Investments; President of the Foundation change, may be necessary in the economic of Invisible Walls: Why We Ignore the Damage for a Sustainable Future systems and values that the world has been We Inflict on the Planet … and Ourselves Cincinnati, OH San Francisco, CA operating under for the past several When I came to the United States from centuries. The viability of homo economicus In the 1960s, I was an architect and India three decades ago, I marveled at in his current form is in grave doubt. urban planner in a leading architectural the profligate consumption and wealth In the coming century, the possibility of office working on the most environmentally all around me. I only became interested a reversion to pre-industrial societies, destructive types of buildings and plans. in long term and big picture issues with tribalism and vicious resource wars, even I was deeply disturbed and moved to the birth of my son Kevin twenty years among developed nations, is a distinct change when I read a book describing ago, as I pondered the world his genera- possibility. Creating global consciousness some of our environmental problems, tion would inherit and live in. The more and incorporating sustainability into and have since dedicated myself to green I researched the data and connected our educational, cultural and economic design, teaching, writing, and supporting the dots, the more alarmed and action- systems is probably the most important organizations that can help improve our oriented I became – as a businessman, challenge facing humanity today. relationship with our planet. I am always looking for solutions, Global Footprint Network indirectly draws I am concerned about the effects of especially systemic solutions. attention to these issues, holding up a globalization and the growing gap Global Footprint Network does valuable mirror that enables those with a longer-term between the rich and the poor, but my work by collecting and presenting data perspective to see the need for action. greatest concern has to do with actually that allows people to come to their own I admire the way in which Global Footprint creating change in our society. When conclusions about the state of the world, Network is going about its mission. information is out there, why do we and the direction we are going. It differs so often avoid or ignore it, and when from many other organizations in the confronted with it, so often are not same field by being completely non- moved to take action? judgmental and without overtly advocating a point of view.

The carbon Footprint accounts for about 50% of FACT humanity’s total Ecological Footprint

14 Sally Osberg, Peter Gabriel, Susan Burns, Mathis Wackernagel, Muhammad Yunus, and Jeff Skoll

I feel Global Footprint Network is “Global Footprint Network is tackling a complex social doing a remarkable job of presenting a broad base of essential information problem with a sustainable, scalable solution. We effectively and generating interest in it. believe their work has the potential for transformational The organization presents its findings in a remarkably clear and effective way, benefit in the area of ecological sustainability, and and is having significant success in we’re honored to support their continued commitment gaining public and governmental attention and recognition of this. We cannot to systemic change.” effectively confront the overwhelming -Sally Osberg, President and Ceo of the Skoll Foundation problems facing humanity and our planet without seeing and dealing with them in a holistic manner. Global Footprint Global Footprint Network Network does this, even recognizing Receives Skoll Award for human happiness and satisfaction as Social Entrepreneurship part of the problem and the solution. In February 2007, Global Footprint Network was awarded a three-year, $1,015,000 matching grant award from the Skoll Foundation. Global Footprint Network is one of only 10 organizations, honored with the Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship that year, a prize presented by the Foundation to recognize the most innovative and effective approaches to resolving critical social issues. Global Footprint Network’s founders, Mathis Wackernagel and Susan Burns, join a prestigious group of entrepreneurs who are working around the world on issues that have a global impact.

who we are Maxine McMinn, Science and Policy Peter Raven, former President Communications Associate Advisory Council of the American Association for Audrey Peller, Manager, Oscar Arias, President of the Advancement of Science Applications Program Costa Rica (AAAS) Jan Schwarz, Communications Mick Bourke, Chairman of EPA William E. Rees, co-creator Trainee Victoria, Australia of the Ecological Footprint Mathis Wackernagel, Executive Lester Brown, founder of Earth Karl-Henrik Robèrt, founder Director Policy Institute and Worldwatch of The Natural Step Paul Wermer, Senior Scientist Institute Emil Salim, former Indonesian Robert Williams, IT Manager Herman E. Daly, intellectual Minister of State Interns father of Ecological Economics James Gustave “Gus” Speth, Kristine Hayes Fabio Feldman, former Sao Dean of the Yale School of Nina Hausman Paolo Minister of Environment Forestry and Environmental Tomonori Wakabayashi Sciences Eric Garcetti, President of the Research Affiliates Los Angeles City Council Will Steffen, Professor in Earth System Science and Alessandro Galli Wangari Maathai, founder of Katsunori Iha the Green Belt Movement Sustainability, the Australian National University Bonnie Lauk Julia Marton-Lefèvre, Director Chad Monfreda General of IUCN – the World David Suzuki, award winning scientist and broadcaster Dan Moran Conservation Union Michael Murray M. S. Swaminathan, India’s Manfred Max-Neef, economist, Francesca Silvestri leading scientist on sustainable recipient of the Right Livelihood Yoshihiko Wada food security Award Aaron Welch CONTRIBUTORS Ernst Ulrich von Weizsäcker, Michael Meacher, former Advice and Services Corporations and UK Minister of Environment founder of the Wuppertal Institute and Dean of the Bren Alessandro Galli Nonprofit Rhodri Morgan, First Minister School at The University of Carol DiBennedeto Organizations for Wales California, Santa Barbara Celery Design Collaborative Beahrs Environmental Norman Myers, leading Dominique Voynet, former CFO Savvy Leadership Program environmental scientist Environment Minister of France Chad Monfreda Best Foot Forward Daniel Pauly, leading marine Edward O. Wilson, Coblentz, Patch, Duffy & Bass LLP Bioregional Development Group ecologist distinguished biologist, Cooley Godward Kronish LLP Center for Maximum Potential Jorgen Randers, former Harvard University Dana Smirin Building Systems President of the Norwegian Fouad Hamdan Cercle de Coopération des School of Management Geoffroy Deschutter ONG de développement James Martin-Jones, Facilitation Confederation of Indian Industries Board of Directors Staff Laura Loescher, Leadership ECOS John Balbach, Managing Partner, Ed Barry, Chief Operating Officer Coaching European Institute for Energy Cleantech Group, co-founder Susan Burns, Managing Director Lucid Design Group LLC Research (EIfER) State of the World Forum Emily Daniel, Accounting Northcutt Productions Freerange Graphics Susan Burns, founder of sustain- Manager Open Air, Inc. Green Impact ability consulting firm Natural Willy De Backer, Director, Pam Cook, Recruitment Greenpeace Strategies and Managing Director European Office Patricia Wintroath, CPA Pixar Animation Studios of Global Footprint Network Olaf Erber, Project Manager Social Planets Rocky Mountain Institute Kristen Cobble, Leadership and Brad Ewing, Research Associate Spot the Story The GPT Group organizational development prac- Melissa Fondakowski, Sustainability Planning Partners UNEP titioner, Global Business Network Fundraising Manager WWF André Hoffman, financial asset Brooking Gatewood, Manager, Government Agencies manager and board member for Communications & Partnership City of Calgary numerous European companies Denine Giles, Executive Office Environment Agency Abu Dhabi and NGOs Manager EPA Victoria Bob Doppelt, Executive Director, Steve Goldfinger, Staff Writer/ Ministry of the Environment – Resource Innovation Group Editor Government of Japan Eric Frothingham, corporate Samir Gupta, Project Manager Swiss Agency for Development attorney, business executive, and Martin Kaërcher, Swiss Liaison and Cooperation (SDC) part-owner of Progressive Invest- Justin Kitzes, Manager, National ment Management, a socially Accounts Program responsible investment firm Mathis Wackernagel, co-creator of the Ecological Footprint and Executive Director of Global Footprint Network

16 Don Hodge Susan Scott André and Rosalie Hoffman F. Peter Seidel Luc Hoffman Tomita and Mark Shimamoto Laura E. Jackson Hans-Peter Sigg Martin Jacobson Donald Wayne Silby Todd Jersey Igor O. Skaredoff Miki Kashtan Elin and Douglas Slotten Douglas Kelbaugh J. Kenneth Smail Ronna and Robert Kelly Judith Smith Sue Ann and Rob Kearns Kathryn A. Stershic Maureen Kennedy and Konrad Alt James Stewart Peter Kilkus Richard Strong Jonathan Kohl Susan Strong Eva Konigsberg Irene Sury Francis and David Korten Steven Temple Stephen Kraemer Dianne Theil Barbara and Joseph Kresse Don Thompson Tina Laitera John Torti Louisa W. Leavitt Lynne and Bill Twist Cynthia and Benjamin Leslie-Bole Meagan Vanzyl Edmund Levering Peter Vonder Mühll Brett Lider Paul Wack Willim Lidicker Elizabeth H. Wackernagel Global Footprint Network would Barbara and Larry Lither Johanna and Hans Wackernagel like to thank the following for their Laura Loescher Tobias Wackernagel generous donations received Gary Lucks January 1, 2007 – December 31, 2007 Yoshihiko Wada Anita A. Luger Lee Walker and Jorge Sarvide Foundation Support Wackernagel Jay Luger Rhoda Walter Roger Macdonald Steve Webb The Dudley Foundation Colby Chester Erlenmeyer Foundation John Cobb Tamas Makray David Weckler Flora Family Foundation Pamela Cook and Paul Gietzel Michael Maniates Douglas Weiser Furnessville Foundation Sara Corcoran Roland Matter Mary and Tom Welte Iverson Family Fund Kevin Davis Darlene McCray Claudia Welss The Lawrence Foundation Nona B. Dennis Carl McDaniel Julia Wiener Mental Insight Foundation Michael Deutmeyer Cheryl McKinney Jerelyn and Alexander Wilson Open Space Institute, Inc. Sally and Mark Dimaggio Terrence McNally Lisa Wise James Gustave Speth Fund for Fred Dolder Lucio Menegon John Wise the Environment Naomi Driesen and Nathan Bixby Aimee Merrill and Daniel Cardozo Jack Woodward The Pollux Foundation Sharon Ede Alison Meyer and Philip Testemale Erlene and Robert Woollard Roy A. Hunt Foundation Alexander Mezzaroma J. David Yount The Santa Barbara Family Patricia and Mohamed El-Ashry Mark Mills Ann and Thomas Yull Foundation Eugene Rosa Carol Misseldine and Charles Frank Zaugg Skoll Foundation John C. Evans and David Smith McGlashan TAUPO Fund Clotilde Fairclough and Yvonne and Christian Zuber Emily Zobel Ruth Elisabeth Moppert-Vischer Donated Goods Individual Donors Melissa Fondakowski and Sharon Negri and Mark Dubois Barefoot Wine Anonymous (8) Leah Rothman Dane Nichols CRMFusion Grant D. Abert Henry Frechette Jr. Brian Obach Focal Point Salesforce Foundation Kirstin and Thomas Asher Lynn Decker and Andrew Jennifer Pahlka and Christopher Hecker Annelies and William Atchley Frothingham Donated Services Patti Papeleux and Michael Vasey Henry Bannister Anne Frye and Richard Levine Alessandro Galli Catherine and Bill Parrish Margrit and Frank Balmer-Leupold Lazaro Fuentes Cooley Godward Kronish LLP Julia Perry Peter Barnes David Gibson Ed Barry Lutz Peters Carolyn and Richard Beahrs Lianna and Robert Gilman Golightly, Inc. David M. Potts Earl R. Beaver Google Inc. Jan Schwarz Roger Pritchard Daisy and Joseph Beckenbach Neal Gorenflo Juan Alfonso Peña Stefanie Pruegel Kathy Stershic Chela Blitt Kyle Gracey K. Anne Pyburn and Richard Wilk Laura Loescher, Leadership Nina and Celestine Bohlen Richard Grossman Peter Raven Coaching Janet and E.U. Bohlen Margaret Haley Deo and John Robbins Mathis Wackernagel Dieter Burckhardt Ruth Hartman and Gary Wolff Jeanne and Richard Roy Maxine McMinn Michael Burkhard Mary Hansel Michael Saalfeld Paul Wermer Rosmarie and Max Burkhard- Diana Harding Rachel Cotroneo Wynee Sade Schindler Phil Henshaw Susan Burns Peggy and Norman Burns Marilyn Hempel Raymond Santiago Susan Burns and Mathis Anne and Paul Ehrlich Peter Schiess Daniela Schlettwein-Gsell

17 Global Footprint Network 2007 financials

In 2007, direct public support from foundations, corporations, NGOs and individuals accounted for 69% of our revenue. Approximately 9% of that support came from Partnership contributions. An additional 28% came from strategic self-funded projects. Revenues were used to foster the implementation of Footprint accounting by national and regional governments, to improve the integrity of our core National Accounts data and to strengthen our network of Partners committed to our vision of ending overshoot.

It currently takes one year and 4 months for the FACT planet to regenerate what we use in one year

18 income total $2,019,498

•$969,353 foundations* •$559,007 self-funded project income •$169,120 donations •$128,702 Contributed services & Materials •$122,887 partnerships •$33,617 reimbursements for project expenses •$19,703 speaking honoraria •$9,473 royalties, educational materials & Misc. •$7,636 license fees

Expenditures & allocations total $2,019,498

•$615,744 payroll •$592,522 allocations for future expenses •$120,787 work through in-kind support •$111,204 other direct program costs •$110,655 cost of self-funded project income •$85,210 other professional fees •$81,764 occupancy •$65,369 computers phones & IT •$63,940 newsletter, web, & communications •$60,339 operating expenses •$53,611 accounting & legal •$31,066 travel & local transportation •$27,287 printing & Postage

income & expenses by program income expenses Program Outreach & Partnership 262,730 482,886 Activities: National Accounts, Research & Standards 93,146 203,855 10 in 10 2,472 20,867 International Offices 15,337 31,884 strategic projects 467,122 233,717 Admin & Planning 10,935 265,272 Fundraising for General Operations ** 1,167,757 188,494 Allocations for Future initiatives & Operations 592,522 TOTAL $2,019,498• TOTAL $2,019,498•

Graphs are based on preliminary, unaudited financial data. *T his amount contains $220,935 to be used in 2008 and $52,860 to be used in 2009. The whole amount appears in 2007 because FASB requires that nonprofit organizations recognize Promises to Give in the year the pledge is made. ** Income restricted to specificP rogram Activities is shown as Income under those Program Activity categories. The income under Fundraising for General Operations is unrestricted income only.

19 looking ahead

Riding on the successes and expansion of 2007, Additionally, new international Footprint standards Global Footprint Network looks forward to even for organizations and products will be drafted. more tangible and impactful work in 2008. Our A Footprint Summit for 2008 will take place, and central goals are to get the world talking about plans for an international Footprint Forum Conference ecological limits and to catalyze action to end in 2009 will be put in motion. And, we will continue ecological overshoot. With the release of WWF’s to invest in our partner network so it can continue Living Planet Report 2008; regional reports for to flourish and expand. Africa, India and China; the launch of a new Dreaming big is possible for Global Footprint web-based personal Ecological Footprint calculator; Network because of the vibrant community of the translation of www.footprintnetwork.org into donors, funders, volunteers, partners, research German and French; and the start of a major associates, clients, board members, and staff who media initiative – achieving these goals is in sight. share in advancing the mission. All the good news Our new team members in Global Footprint shared in this report is a result of an incredible Network’s Belgium office will focus on making the global collaboration. Thank you, and may 2008 Ecological Footprint a prominent government be filled with more good news and lots more hope. metric, especially in the European Union, working to forward our Ten-in-Ten campaign. We will also continue to expand our Human Development Initiative, especially in Africa.

Humans have been exceeding the earth’s ability FACT to support our lifestyles since the mid 1980’s

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