Earth Overshoot Day: A Day of Reckoning

Understanding the Earth's Capacity

Earth Overshoot Day is a sobering reminder of the finite resources our planet provides. It is the date when humanity's demand for natural resources exceeds the Earth's ability to regenerate them in a given year. In 2020, Earth Overshoot Day fell on August 22nd, highlighting our unsustainable consumption patterns.

Calculating Earth Overshoot Day

The Global Footprint Network calculates Earth Overshoot Day by comparing humanity's ecological footprint to Earth's biocapacity. The ecological footprint measures the amount of land and sea area required to produce the resources we consume and absorb the waste we generate. Biocapacity, on the other hand, represents the Earth's capacity to produce renewable resources and absorb waste.

Solutions for a Sustainable Future

Addressing Earth Overshoot Day requires concerted efforts from individuals, organizations, and governments worldwide. By adopting sustainable practices, reducing waste, and transitioning to renewable energy sources, we can mitigate our impact on the planet. Explore the map to discover solutions implemented in your country or create an account to share a solution you support.