The Carbon Footprint of Nations has been recognized as the Top Environmental Policy Paper in 2009 by Environmental Science & Technology (announcement).

It is a big honor for us to win that award. ES&T is the most important journal in environmental science and environmental technology, publishing 1500 papers in 2009. We were apparently among 80 papers nominated for the award. Most likely, the popular appeal and policy relevance of our paper was an important factor in our favor.

We have previously been awarded by ES&T. In 2007, Glen Peters and his collaboration parters won the award for their analysis of China's growing CO2 emissions, identifying the growth of the urban population and investment in infrastructure as important causes.

In 2005, Edgar Hertwich was the runner-up to the Top Environmental Policy Paper for his review of methods for household carbon footprints.