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.1 3

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.2 3

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.4 5 6 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.3 4

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.1 3 4

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

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 University of British Columbia (1989 - 1994), Engineer’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich (1982 - 1987)