Abstract
During the period of 1961–2008, demand for renewable resources and ecological services (as measured through the Ecological Footprint methodology) in the Mediterranean region grew by 52% (from 2.06 to 3.12 global hectares per capita), while availability of such resources and services (or biocapacity (BC)) decreased by 16% (from 1.49 to 1.26 global hectares per capita). As all economic activities ultimately depend on ecological assets—such as productive land and marine areas, and the services and resources they produce—this paper presents a reflection on the economic implications of such resource and service overconsumption in the Mediterranean region. Our conclusion is that, in a world characterized by the existence of biophysical limits, risks may exist for Mediterranean economies due to the concurrence of: (1) resource scarcity; (2) increasing resource prices; and (3) challenging national economic situations.
Highlights
This region can be considered a micro cosmos, a place where multiple cultures live, where the North and the South as well as the East and the West merge. It has long been a historical crossroad of human civilizations whose influence extends far beyond its shores. It is for these reasons that we focused our analysis on the Mediterranean region: it can be considered a socio-economic laboratory, which could hold important lessons for decision-makers across the globe
A recent analysis of the Mediterranean region’s Ecological Footprint [7] found that from 1961 to 2008, the per capita Ecological Footprint of consumption (EFC) of an average Mediterranean resident grew by 52% while per capita BC decreased by 16%
Mediterranean economies are likely to come under greater stress as they compete for access to essential resources
Summary
During the period of 1961–2008, demand for renewable resources and ecological services (as measured through the Ecological Footprint methodology) in the Mediterranean region grew by 52% (from 2.06 to 3.12 global hectares per capita), while availability of such resources and services (or biocapacity (BC)) decreased by 16%. Only countries with populations greater than 500,000 inhabitants are included in Ecological Footprint results This region can be considered a micro cosmos, a place where multiple cultures live, where the North and the South as well as the East and the West merge. It has long been a historical crossroad of human civilizations whose influence extends far beyond its shores. It is for these reasons that we focused our analysis on the Mediterranean region: it can be considered a socio-economic laboratory, which could hold important lessons for decision-makers across the globe
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