Today Is Earth Overshoot Day - What Does That Mean, and Why Should We Care?

July 28, 2022, marks Earth Overshoot Day - the date when our collective demand for natural resources has exceeded what the Earth can regenerate during an entire year.  

This year's #OvershootDay is the earliest in history.  

The first Earth Overshoot Day was calculated by the Global Footprint Network in 1986, and since then it has fallen on earlier and earlier dates.  

To calculate it, the Global Footprint Network looks at the world's ecological footprint - which includes things like our carbon footprint, land use, and water consumption - and compares it to the planet's biocapacity, or its ability to regenerate those resources. 

If everyone lived like the United States, Earth Overshoot Day would have been on March 13. If everyone lived like Jamaica, it would be December 20. 

Why Does This Matter? 

We are using 1.6 Earths' worth of resources to support our consumption. This is not sustainable, and is putting a strain on our planet and its resources. To live sustainably, we need to bring Earth Overshoot Day back to December 31st. This means globally reducing our carbon footprint and consumption habits. 

What Can We Do? 

You can help reduce the global carbon footprint by living sustainably and pushing for change at the local, state, national, and global level. You can... 

• Reduce your food waste 
• Eat plant-based  
• Switch to a green bank 
• Shop secondhand 
• Vote for climate smart candidates  
• Advocate for climate action 

Together, we have the power to #MoveTheDate.