About the Global Footprint Network
Our mission is to promote a sustainable economy by advancing the Ecological
Footprint, a measurement tool that makes the reality of planetary limits
relevant to decision-makers.
Scientific American Grapples with Ecological Limits
The concept of ecological limits increasingly permeates the dialogue in the scientific community. In a special issue of
Scientific American, "Crossroads for Planet Earth,"
a remarkable group of scientists were brought together to report on the challenges
facing humanity, and to propose an action plan for securing our future. In the words
of George Musser, who wrote the introduction to the issue: "The next 50 years will be
decisive in determining whether the human race--now entering a unique period in its
history--can ensure the best possible future for itself."
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The concept of ecological limits was central to Herman Daly's piece,
"Economics in a Full World," which asserted that "Society can no longer safely pretend the global
economy operates within a limitless ecosystem. Planners must think afresh about how to increase prosperity."
Scientific American and Earth Institute at Columbia University are
bringing together the authors of the special issue for a one day conference
on Thursday, October 20th in New York City.
