The study analyzed the ecological footprint and carrying capacity of Gansu Province from 2000 to 2008. They found that the ecological footprint per person increased by 5.10% annually, while the ecological capacity only grew by 0.26% per year. This led to a rise in ecological deficit per person by 8.72% annually. The primary industry had the biggest impact on ecological deficit, while the tertiary industry had the least impact on ecological capacity. The study showed that economic development in Gansu Province was closely linked to land and forest footprint, affecting the province's ecological balance.