02 Aug 2023

Earth Overshoot Day marks the date when humanity’s demand for ecological resources and services in a given year exceeds what Earth can regenerate in that year. In 2023, it falls on 2 August.

Earth Overshoot Day

Each year, Earth Overshoot Day marks the date when we have used all the biological resources that the Earth can renew during the entire year. To determine the date of Earth Overshoot Day, the Global Footprint Network, an award-winning international research and non-profit organization, combines data and forms the most reasonable assumptions to assess humanity’s resource situation.

2 August 2023

In 2023, Earth Overshoot Day falls on 2 August. This means that humanity currently uses 75% more than what the planet’s ecosystems can regenerate. From Earth Overshoot Day until the end of the year, humanity operates on ecological deficit spending.

Razan Al Mubarak, IUCN President and UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, speaks at the high-level event commemorating Overshoot Day.

Power of Possibility

Leading up to Earth Overshoot Day and stemming from 100 Days of Possibility campaign launched in 2021, the Power of Possibility platform highlights many ways we can improve our resource security.

Country Overshoot Days

A Country Overshoot Day reflects the ecological footprint of a country by comparing the population’s demand and the nation’s biocapacity.

Switzerland

Switzerland’s Overshoot Day 2023 was on 13 May. From this date onwards, Switzerland is living on credit at the expense of future generations. If the world’s population had the same lifestyle as Swiss citizens, the resources of three planets would be necessary to ensure its existence.

Take a Step to Move the Date

Calculate your environmental footprint, get inspired by intiatives around the world and discover concrete actions to push back the date of Overshoot Day through our resource page below.

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