William E. Rees is a human ecologist, ecological economist, former Director and Professor Emeritus of the University of British Columbia’s School of Community and Regional Planning. His research focuses on the biophysical requirements for sustainable development and on the cognitive, behavioural and socio-cultural barriers to change. Best known as originator and co-developer (with his Ph.D. students) of ‘ecological footprint analysis’, Prof Rees work is widely recognized internationally. His awards include a Blue Planet Prize (jointly with former student Dr Mathis Wackernagel), the Boulding Prize in Ecological Economics, the Herman Daly Award (US Society for Ecological Economics) and an Honorary Doctorate from Laval University. From 2014 to 2019, Dr Rees served as a full member of the Club of Rome.