The ecological footprint of Shaanxi Province during the period from 1993 to 2004 is calculated based on the theory and calculation method of the ecological footprint, with the data of resources production and consumption, population, and land use from FAO database and Shaanxi Statistical Yearbook. The result shows that in this period there is ecological deficit each year and the ecological deficit reached 0.410 7 hm2 per capita of Shaanxi Province in 2004, which indicates an unsustainable ecological development in Shaanxi Province. The conclusion is achieved by further analysis that main reasons resulting in the ecological deficit are increasing use of finite natural resources. It is proposed that the circular economy should be applied to maintain sustainable development of Shaanxi Province.

Shaanxi Province; ecological footprint; ecological deficit; sustainable development