Earth Overshoot Day

Earth Overshoot Day is the date each year when humans have used up all the natural resources that Earth can renew in that year. After this day, we are borrowing from the future. The date comes earlier and earlier, which means we are using resources faster and faster. Moving the date back is one of the biggest challenges of our time.

How It Is Calculated

Scientists figure out Earth Overshoot Day by comparing how much nature can produce in a year to how much humans use. They look at things like forests, fisheries, farmland, and the ability to absorb carbon dioxide. When our demand is greater than what the Earth can supply, we have overshot. In recent years, the date has fallen in July or August.

Pushing the Date Back

The goal is to push Earth Overshoot Day later in the year, closer to December 31. Using renewable energy, wasting less food, and protecting forests all help. If we cut food waste in half, it would move the date by almost two weeks. Planting trees and using energy wisely would push it back even further.

Fun Facts

• In 1970, Earth Overshoot Day fell on December 29, meaning we barely went over budget.
• In recent years, Earth Overshoot Day has fallen around July 28, meaning we use almost two Earths' worth of resources.
• If everyone lived like people in India, Earth Overshoot Day would not come until well into December.

Did You Know?

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Earth Overshoot Day moved back by almost a month because people traveled less and used fewer resources!