Earth Overshoot Day

Earth Overshoot Day on July 24, 2025, marks the day in a calendar year when humanity’s consumption of ecological resources surpasses what Earth can regenerate in that same year.

Earth Overshoot Day marks the estimated calendar date when humanity’s demand on nature exceeds what Earth can regenerate in that year.

History of Earth Overshoot Day

Earth Overshoot Day was established by the Global Footprint Network, which calculates humanity’s ecological demand versus the planet’s biocapacity. It debuted in the early 1970s—back then, Overshoot Day fell in late December. But as global resource use has accelerated, the date has crept steadily earlier, reflecting humanity’s escalating ecological footprint. ¹

In the years that followed, this symbolic date moved from autumn to summer. Notably, during 2020 the pandemic delayed Overshoot Day until August 22, but it rebounded by 2021 and continued shifting earlier. For 2025, global overshoot arrived on July 24, a full eight days earlier than in 2024.

• The calculation is based on the National Footprint and Biocapacity Accounts, which in turn rely on data from the United Nations.
• These accounts are regularly revised as UN agencies update past and current data, meaning the exact Overshoot Day may shift as more accurate figures become available.
• The date is not precise but serves as a reliable indicator of how much human demand overshoots the planet’s capacity to provide.
• As the methodology evolves and data improves, projections for Overshoot Day continue to change, reflecting a clearer picture of global ecological trends.
• Despite these shifts, the message remains clear: humanity is exceeding Earth’s ecological limits.
• This overuse creates an ecological debt, which continues to accumulate year after year.
• The “interest” on this debt includes serious global issues such as:
  • food insecurity,
  • soil degradation,
  • rising atmospheric CO₂ levels.
• These consequences carry severe costs—both human and financial—highlighting the urgent need for sustainability.

Why is Earth Overshoot Day important?

It’s kind of confronting to realize that by late July, we’ve already used up all the renewable resources the planet can provide for the entire year. That means for the remaining months we’re depleting forests, overfishing oceans, exhausting freshwater, and adding CO₂ to the atmosphere. The emotional weight of that can spark meaningful reflection: what does it mean for future generations if we keep living like this?

Yet it’s not all doom and gloom—Earth Overshoot Day also serves as a wake-up call, reminding us of our collective power to change course. Whether it’s governments, communities, or individuals, there are real, scalable solutions—from city design to food systems—that can push this date back and move us closer to living within Earth’s means.

• seeing the date early in the year really brings it home
• it makes me think about my own consumption and waste
• it reminds me that this isn’t just environmental—it affects economy, health, future
• knowing we can #MoveTheDate gives a sense of hope
• connecting it to everyday actions makes sustainability achievable

How to Observe Earth Overshoot Day

Commemorating Earth Overshoot Day doesn’t mean grand gestures—it can be as simple as tweaking daily habits. You might print out the “Solutions Map” online and share one inspiring local sustainability initiative on social media. That way, you’re both educating yourself and encouraging others.

On a more personal level, use the day as a pause to review your ecological footprint. Try cutting out one meat-based meal, reducing food waste by planning leftovers, or biking instead of driving. When you do this, journal how small changes made you feel—seeing a tiny difference in your impact can be hugely motivating.

• plan meals around leftovers and avoid buying extra
• share one sustainable action you’ll take today with friends
• walk or cycle for short trips instead of driving
• commit to one habit you can keep doing beyond today
• look into community solar projects or urban gardens

Earth Overshoot Day Dates

1. https://www.footprintnetwork.org/our-work/earth-overshoot-day/[↩]