Earth Overshoot Day is the date each year when humanity’s demand for ecological resources and services surpasses what Earth can regenerate in that year. Essentially, it’s the point when we start living beyond our planet’s ecological capacity. After this date, we are in a state of ecological overshoot, meaning we are depleting natural resources faster than they can be replenished and accumulating waste, including carbon emissions, more quickly than ecosystems can absorb.
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How is Earth Overshoot Day calculated?
It is determined by the Global Footprint Network using the following formula: Earth Overshoot Day=(Planet’s biocapacityHumanity’s Ecological Footprint)×365\text{Earth Overshoot Day} = \left( \frac{\text{Planet’s biocapacity}}{\text{Humanity’s Ecological Footprint}} \right) \times 365Earth Overshoot Day=(Humanity’s Ecological FootprintPlanet’s biocapacity)×365
The Ecological Footprint measures the demand on natural ecosystems, while biocapacity refers to Earth’s ability to renew those resources.
Ecological Overshoot
When in a state of ecological overshoot, humanity depletes resources like water, forests, and fisheries, and produces more carbon dioxide than ecosystems can absorb. This overuse contributes to climate change, biodiversity loss, deforestation, and the degradation of ecosystems.
Key consequences of ecological overshoot:
- Depletion of natural resources (water, energy, forests, etc.)
- Deforestation and land degradation
- Biodiversity loss
- Increased carbon emissions, contributing to climate change
- Strain on food systems and freshwater supplies
Importance of Earth Overshoot Day
- Highlights the urgency to adopt more sustainable practices.
- A reminder to reduce consumption, increase resource efficiency, and promote renewable energy.
Every year, Earth Overshoot Day has been arriving earlier, reflecting humanity’s growing ecological footprint. Solutions to reduce this overshoot include reducing waste, shifting to renewable energy, supporting sustainable agriculture, and promoting circular economy models.
