Kiwis sixth among worst enviro-guzzlers

If the rest of the world gobbled up resources at the same rate as Kiwis, the equivalent of three-and-a-half extra planets would be needed just to keep pace.

A report by international conservation group World Wildlife Fund is warning of an "ecological credit crunch" and ranks New Zealand's ecological footprint as the sixth largest per head in the world, behind the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Kuwait, Denmark and Australia.

"The possibility of financial recession pales in comparison to the looming ecological credit crunch," the fund's international director-general, James Leape, said.

Compiled in conjunction with London's Zoological Society and sustainability lobbyists Global Footprint Network, the report warns that consumption is eroding the planet's "natural capital" to a point where future prosperity is under threat.

"It is not too late to prevent an irreversible ecological recession setting in," Mr Leape said. Areas that need transforming included deforestation, water shortages, declining biodiversity and climate change.

In 35 years the wildlife population has dropped by 30 per cent, the report says.

On average, each person consumes the equivalent of half an Olympic swimming pool of water a year.

"Around 50 countries are currently facing moderate or severe water stress and the number of people suffering from year-round or seasonal water shortages is expected to increase as a result of climate change."

A new "water footprint" measure highlighted the impact of industry on water supplies, with an average cotton T-shirt sapping up nearly 3000 litres of water during its production.

WWF's head in New Zealand, Chris Howe, urged the country to become a "world leader in conservation instead of consumption".

Green Party co-leader Russel Norman said the report undermined New Zealand's image. "People come to New Zealand to experience our beautiful natural environment, not to look at endless coastal subdivisions and rivers full of cow faeces."