This year, we have some good news to share: for the first time in quite some time the Earth Overshoot Day falls more than 3 weeks later, on 22 August, than last year (29 July)!

Each year, Earth Overshoot Day marks the date when humanity has used all the biological resources that Earth can renew during the entire year. After this date, ecosystems are overused and exploited, deteriorating their ability to renew and regenerate. Consequently (and worryingly), we gradually exhaust our future.

What caused the 9.3% reduction of humanity’s Ecological Footprint? It is a direct consequence of the lockdowns around the world. The consumption of forest products (- 8.4%) and CO₂ emissions from fossil fuel combustion (-14.5%) are the two major drivers behind the historic shift in the long-term growth trend of humanity’s Ecological Footprint.

Humanity currently uses 60% more than what can be renewed – or as much as if we lived on 1.6 Earths.

Global Footprint Network has been working on moving the date of Earth Overshoot Day to a later date. GreenDependent Institute also joined the Network’s campaign – for the 4th time this year. Ideas are shared about reducing our personal ecological footprint and moving the date of Earth Overshoot Day at two public media sites: @EnergiaKozossegek and @Kislábnyom - Small Footprint (both in Hungarian).

When searching the hashtag #MoveTheDate you can find additional ideas and good examples on this topic. Do not forget: each of us is capable of doing many different things, make many smaller and bigger lifestyle changes and become active citizens to move the date of Earth Overshoot Day. Each and every small and big step matters!

More information and tips:

• #movethedate actions:
  www.overshootday.org/steps-to-movethedate
• Small footprint tips (only in Hungarian): www.kislabnyom.hu
• English press release: www.overshootday.org/newsroom/press-releases
• Calculation method: www.overshootday.org/2020-calculation

If you have any questions please write to us at info[@]greendependent.org