A recent analysis by the Global Footprint Network (.pdf) showed that Ontario’s per capita Ecological Footprint is very high while biocapacity is limited. On a per-person basis, Ontario residents are among the global populations placing the highest demand on the planet’s resources. Ontario’s Ecological Footprint was examined as an indicator (.pdf) in the State of Ontario’s Biodiversity 2010 report.

Ontario’s high demand on its resources has serious repercussions on the province’s biodiversity. This year – the International Year for Biodiversity – the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario recommended that the Ontario government develop a new and reconceived biodiversity strategy. Please see here for more information on the Commissioner’s past comments and analyses regarding Ontario’s biodiversity.

On November 16th, the Environmental Commissioner, in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources, held a seminar regarding Ontario’s Ecological Footprint. Panelists included:

• Mathis Wackernagel (Global Footprint Network)
• Steve Hounsell (Ontario Biodiversity Council)
• Peter Wallace (Deputy Minister of Finance)
• Peter Victor (York University)
• Lori Stahlbrand (Local Food Plus)
• Mark Anielski (Anielski Management Inc.)

The webcast, as well as presenters’ slides are now available for download. Please click here for more information.