Ecological Footprint Deficit in Brazil: An analysis of reports from The World Wide Fund For Nature

Abstract

This article aimed to analyze changes in the ecological footprint in Brazil over time, focusing on reports from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and scientific literature. To do so, the present article is of a documentary, bibliographical, and qualitative nature. Data collection was conducted through systematic searches, employing search terms such as "Ecological Footprint," "Brazil," "World Wide Fund for Nature." The results showed that despite having one of the largest global biocapacities, Brazil faces challenges in effectively translating this advantage into sustainable benefits. The findings highlight the phenomenon of horizontal and vertical scale growth in the Brazilian economic system, pointing to the combination of population growth with increased consumption, especially in urban areas. Regional disparities in per capita Ecological Footprint are evident, indicating distinct consumption patterns in different parts of the country. WWF reports emphasize the importance of strategic interventions to trigger significant transformations. In this point of view, the study highlights the need to rethink consumption models and adopt more sustainable practices. The deficit of the Ecological Footprint in Brazil requires a proactive and collaborative response from policymakers, communities, and economic sectors. Only through strategic interventions and a fundamental shift in the approach to natural resources can one aspire to a future where Brazil's biocapacity is effectively transformed into sustainable benefits, ensuring harmony between economic development and environmental preservation.