Dr. Mathis Wackernagel

If you've already come across the "Footprint" concept, then Dr. Mathis Wackernagel has left a mark on you. Together with Bill Rees, he introduced the Footprint (or ecological footprint) over 30 years ago. Twenty years ago, he founded the Global Footprint Network. They also started publishing the resource balance of all countries, a task now carried out by FoDaFo. This sustainability think tank is probably best known for its annual Earth Overshoot Day, which also applies to Switzerland. Part of the overshoot is also climate change. But it's about more than that: food is not only an essential part but also one of the major challenges. Mathis refers to them as the "10 impossible imperatives." His awards include two honorary doctorates (one from the University of Bern, the other from the University of Stirling), the World Sustainability Award 2018, the IAIA Global Environment Award 2015, and the Blue Planet Prize 2012.