If you’ve heard of the carbon or ecological footprint, you’ve already met Mathis Wackernagel. Over 30 years ago in Vancouver, Canada, he conceived and developed the footprint metric with his PhD advisor. Today, it has become a global shorthand for measuring human impact on the planet—and for exposing overshoot: humanity’s overuse of Earth’s resources. To help address overshoot, he co-founded Global Footprint Network over 20 years ago, a sustainability think tank known for its annual calculations comparing the ecological footprint and bio-capacity of every country.

Wackernagel’s passion lies not just in understanding global overshoot but in empowering cities, companies, and countries to navigate this challenging reality. He believes what’s missing is internal motivation. Arguing that, contrary to to the idea we’re told that change is futile or merely a noble cause, he believes that it’s within everyone’s direct self-interest to prepare for a new planetary context. He says, “The less others act, the more essential it becomes for each city, company, or country to prepare themselves. It’s as practical as brushing your teeth—or, to put it bluntly, avoiding self-harm.”

His accolades include the 2024 “Nobel Sustainability Award”, the 2024 “Orden de la Democracia Simón Bolivar” from the Colombian parliament, the 2018 World Sustainability Award, the 2015 IAIA Global Environment Award, the 2012 Blue Planet Prize, and several honorary doctorates, but says his greatest reward is the opportunity to engage with diverse audiences and spark meaningful conversations.

SPEAKING TOPICS INCLUDE:

The Power of Circular Businesses

Riding Out the Economic Implications of Climate

Are There Winning Strategies as We Face Global Overshoot?

The Magic of Metrics

When Multilateralism Fails

Sustainable Development with Teeth

Global Warning: Lessons for Climate Communication