An Analysis of the Changes of the Ecological Footprint and Carrying Capacity of Shanxi Province between 2006 and 2008

Based on the data from the Shanxi Statistical Yearbooks between 2006 and 2008,the ecological footprint and carrying capacity of Shanxi Province were calculated with the help of the ecological footprint model.The results show that the per capita area of ecological footprint of Shanxi Province has increased from 4.434944hm2 to 4.512656 hm2;and the ecological carrying capacity has increased from 0.562952hm2 to 0.772641hm2 over the last three years without stop.This region has been in ecological deficit,which had increased to 3.740015hm2 by 2008.That means the arrival of unsustainable ecological development in Shanxi.Measures for sustainable development are proposed as a reference for Shanxi ecosystem sustainable development.