Global overshoot, the persistent overuse of Earth’s resources, including water, is becoming the dominant force shaping economic and operational realities. Yet societies’ responses have been underwhelming , amplifying the risks of a future defined by climate disruption and resource scarcity. One key reason for this slow transformation is the absence of effective metrics. While metrics are essential for driving meaningful change, the sustainability field has largely failed to deliver them.
This presentation positions water within the broader context of global overshoot and examines the conditions and processes that enable metrics to become powerful catalysts for change. It builds on the insight that effective metrics must meet three core conditions: they must be evidence-based, relevant, and empowering. Without empowerment, metrics are often resisted, especially when they become more factual and relevant, which then make them feel even more threatening.
Bio
If you have heard of footprint, as in carbon footprint or ecological footprint, you already met Dr. Mathis Wackernagel. He conceived and developed this metric with his PhD advisor Bill Rees 30 years ago. Now, this idea has become commonplace for human impact on our planet.
Over 20 years ago, he co-founded Global Footprint Network, a sustainability think-tank, known for its annual calculations comparing the footprint and biocapacity of every country on Earth. Many cite the key statistics from these accounts: humanity is now using 1.8 Earths. This organization is also known for its annual Earth Overshoot Day, which is featured around the world.
Recent recognitions include honorary degrees, the 2025 “Sustainability Shaper” award, the 2024 “Nobel Sustainability Award” of the Nobel family’s Sustainability Trust and the 2024 “Orden de la Democracia Simón Bolivar” or the “Blue Planet Prize”.
