We have only one planet. Its capacity to support a thriving diversity of species, humans included, is large but fundamentally limited. When human demand on this capacity exceeds what is available – when we surpass ecological limits – we erode the health of the Earth's living systems. Ultimately, this loss threatens human well-being.

This report uses complementary measures to explore the changing state of global biodiversity and of human consumption. The Living Planet Index reflects the state of the planet's ecosystems while the Ecological Footprint shows the
extent and type of human demand being placed on these systems.