Reconciling a positive ecological balance with human development: A quantitative assessment

Clear indicators and evaluation criteria are essential to keep humanity’s environmental impact within planetary boundaries. We introduce a new criterion based on two constraints, accounting for both ecological human sustainability. The constraint is defined through novel indicator, the eco-balance, grounded well known concept of footprint population biodensity. sustainability estimated level biocapacity consumption needed achieve an acceptable development. application our world countries shows where technological improvements changes in patterns sufficient reach sustainability, actions and/or restoring capital also needed. This highlights synergic going beyond simplistic schemes, such as overconsumption vs. overpopulation or developed developing countries.