Footprint efficiency for human development: An international analysis

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of natural resource use by countries in their fostering of human development, taking into consideration the biophysical requirements (resource consumption and emissions) of development processes and the improvement in well-being. The Footprint Efficiency for Human Development (FEHD) is calculated using data envelopment analysis, which evaluates the efficiency of inputs (material footprint, total primary energy footprint, ecological footprint) in generating outputs (Human Development Index, CO 2 emissions) across 120 countries. Contrary to initial expectations, the results indicate that, in general, countries with higher FEHD tend to have lower human development levels, and vice versa. These countries with low human development also tend to exceed fewer sustainability thresholds, resulting in better overall environmental performance compared to those with high human development. The analysis makes it possible to contrast different groups of countries according to their FEHD, thereby enabling the exploration of policy orientations for a just and sustainable transition.