By Pamela Okutoyi
From August 22 of this year, the people of the world will start living on borrowed time - or more accurately, on borrowed resources.
Every year, the Global Footprint Network calculates Earth Overshoot Day to mark the date when all humanity’s demand for ecological resources and services exceeds what Earth can regenerate in that year.
Between January 1st and August 22nd, 8 months to be precise, humanity will have demanded an amount equivalent to what the planet can regenerate over the whole calendar year. Meaning that, from that date to December 31st we are in debt with our planet.
Just how difficult is it for us to realize that we are doing more harm than good to this precious place we call home?
This year sees a 9.3% reduction of humanity’s Ecological Footprint and the date moves more than three weeks later as a direct consequence of COVID-induced lock-downs around the world.
Last year’s Earth Overshoot Day, in contrast, was on July 29th. This shift in the year-to year date of Earth Overshoot Day represents the greatest ever single-year shift since the beginning of global overshoot in the early 1970s. In several instances the date was pushed back temporarily, but the general trend remains that of a consistent upward trajectory.
Wondering how we began putting too much pressure on the planet? Here is how;
1970: December 29th
1985: November 4th
2000: September 23rd
2015: August 6th
2018: August 1st
2019: Jul 29th
2020: August 22nd
We are gobbling up way too much, way too quickly, and not giving the planet enough chance to recover. We are polluting the rivers and oceans, razing entire forests, killing wildlife, exploiting vulnerable communities – all for the pleasure of our latest clothes, gadgets, and cars.
Although the novel COVID-19 has led to a drop in Carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel use, which currently make up the majority of humanity’s Footprint, it could no still push the date far enough.
Who is the cause of Earth Overshoot Day?
Need I say this again? Of course!
We humans.
I must commend some of us though who in our little ways we have tried to reduce our impact on Earth.
Some of us however, are still adding salt to injury. Exploiting way too much.
Want to see how much you consume? Here is how you can calculate your Personal Overshoot Day.
What can you do to #MovetheDate of Earth Overshoot Day?
The decrease of emissions during the pandemic is not something to be proud of. True sustainability that allows all to thrive on Earth can only be achieved by design, not disaster.
Unless something changes radically in the next few months, we as humans would need 1.6 planets to keep up with what we use today.
If we fail to take prompt action, something is wrong with either our understanding of the environment or the will to act. Maybe we misunderstand the vast scope of the issue.
For years, many people have tried to do their part to help the planet, whether by consuming less or by reusing their belongings. Still, it is becoming evident that reducing, reusing, and recycling are putting only a small dent in the problem. As individuals, families, communities, and as a country, we need to take real action.
We need a new way of thinking and of living, not just as individuals, but as communities that can support and encourage each other.
A useful source that can help us is the official website of Earth Overshoot Day. Here you will find a lot of ideas about what you can do to #MoveTheDate back.
Two ideas that might also be worth exploring are minimalism and voluntary simplicity.
Let’s aim to simplify our needs and desires so that we buy and consume less or otherwise step away from the endless pursuit of possessions.
When people live as simply as possible, they use fewer resources and learn to evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of their actions, rather than practicing endless consumption.
Making such a far-reaching change alone is difficult, but collective action can help. Governments, for example, can put money and effort into affordable and reliable public transit systems to encourage people to take the bus rather than driving cars, and they can limit urban sprawl with wise policies and tax systems.
Earth Overshoot Day is a difficult concept to grasp fully, but its implications are huge. If we wish to pass on a viable planet to the next generation, we need to take drastic action now.
Thriving lives within the means of our planet without borrowing from the next generation is not out of reach.
To mark Earth Overshoot Day My Eco Mindset in conjunction with other eco-minded young people has organized an online campaign to debate the opportunities and challenges for embracing a sustainable lifestyle
Please register here to be part of the discussion
Here is how you can be part of the conversation online;
Use;
#MoveTheDate
#EarthOvershootDay2020
#EarthOvershootDay
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