Earth’s overcapacity day

In a nutshell, it is a imbalance between human demand for resources and the ability of the earth to satisfy itwithout damaging natural systems. This includes the overexploitation of natural resources such as water, fossil fuels, food and wood, as well as the excessive emission of greenhouse gases and the generation of waste that pollutes air, water and soil.

Earth’s overcapacity has serious implications for sustainability In the long term:

• Display natural resources.
• Reduce biodiversity.
• Degrades ecosystems.
• It contributes to climate change.
• It affects human communities by limiting their access to the necessary resources for their subsistence and well -being.

To measure the overcapacity of the Earth, the concept of “Ecological footprint”which calculates the amount of natural resources necessary to maintain the lifestyle of a given population and absorb the waste it generates. If the ecological footprint of a population exceeds the biocapacity of a territory (the capacity of that territory to regenerate the resources used and absorb the waste generated), it is considered that there is overcapacity.

We encourage you to read more about what the ecological footprint is and how it is calculated.

Earth’s overcapacity day is celebrated with the objective of raise awareness about the challenges our planet faces due to overcapacity and promote actions to address this problem. This commemoration seeks to promote reflection and action both at the individual and collective level for reduce our ecological footprint and live more sustainably.

The exact date on which the event itself happens, the time to overcome the capacity of the planet, both globally and by countries it can vary, but it is generally mid or end of the year. On the other hand, there is a day in which this ephemeris is celebrated internationally to raise awareness, although each country is calculated that it reaches the planet’s overcapacity point at a different time of the year, according to the ecological footprint of that place. This date is chosen to highlight the fact that, in an ideal world, humanity should live within the ecological limits of the Earth throughout the year and Do not exceed the capacity for regeneration of natural resources.

During the earth’s overcapacity day, various activities are carried out worldwide, such as conferences, workshops, awareness campaigns and community projects aimed at addressing the challenges of overcapacity. It seeks to inform people about how their daily actions, such as energy consumption, food choice and waste management, can have a significant impact on global sustainability.

The celebration of this day also serves as a reminder that each of us has the responsibility of being aware of our actions and taking measures to reduce our ecological footprint, as well as companies and governments. This implies adopting more sustainable practices, such as using renewable energies, minimizing the waste of resources, promoting biodiversity conservation and promoting more environmentally respectful lifestyles of life.

If we all live as the Americanswe would need 5 planets per year To meet our demand for natural resources. If we live as citizens Spaniardswe will need more than 2 planets. Our country is in red numbers in terms of consumption of natural resources with a standard of living equivalent to having 2.8 planets at our disposal.

He May 23, 2025 Earth’s overcapacity day was celebrated in Spain. Since May 12, 2023, Spain is in ecological debt With the planet for the second consecutive year was our Earth overshoot day. This day in our country was repeated again, it was on May 12, 2022, and 13 days were advanced on the 2021 that was on May 25, year after year it is advanced: May 27 in 2020, May 29 in 2019 and May 29 in 2018.

We are promoting a majority production and consumption pattern that follows the same unsustainable parameters of the last 70 years and is taking to the limit the regenerative capacity of the planet.

In the context of an unprecedented climate emergency and natural destruction, there is an urgent need to promote a sustainable economic recovery that respects the limits of the planet and reduces the ecological footprint of humanity.

You could still say that we are in time to recover. If we postpone the day of excess capacity of the earth in 4.5 days a year, by 2050 we would live again within the limits of the planet. There are steps that we can all take to delay the date. For example, eliminating 50% of the waste of food from the world would make it delayed 11 days. By half reducing the use of the car, the date on the calendar would be delayed 10 days.

Each contribution, however small, can help reduce the consumption of resources and make the land not enter so fast overcapacity. These are some tips to reduce the ecological footprint to everyone:

• Conscious consumption: Reflect on your consumption habits and prioritize products that are durable, quality and environmental respectful. Opt for options with ecological certifications and avoid excessive and unnecessary consumption. We recommend reading these other articles about what is responsible consumption and local consumption: what is and its importance.
• Energy saving: Turn off electronic devices when you are not using them and take full advantage of natural light. Use low energy consumption LED bulbs and disconnect appliances in waiting mode. Consider using renewable energy in your home. We advise you to take a look at this advice on how to save light at home.
• Sustainable mobility: Use more sustainable means of transport, such as walking, bicycle or using public transport. If you need a vehicle, consider electrical or hybrid options and share trips with other people to reduce pollutant gas emissions. Here you can learn more about sustainable mobility: what is and examples.
• Waste reduction: Reduce, reuse and recycle. Opt for products with less packaging and avoid the use of disposable products. Buy second -hand products and give them a second life. Select your waste correctly and be sure to recycle according to local regulations. In this other post you can read more about 3R: reduce, reuse and recycle.
• Sustainable food: It consumes foods of local and seasonal origin, since they require less resources for transport and conservation. Prioritize vegetarian or vegan options in your diet, since the production of meat and dairy has a high environmental impact. Know more about sustainable food: what is and how to achieve it.
• Water conservation: Use the water in a responsible way, closing the tap while you wash your teeth or swarm. Install water savings devices on your taps and showers. Remember to repair leaks and use efficient irrigation methods in your garden. We invite you to learn more about this topic reading our article on water conservation: importance and techniques.
• Education and dissemination: Find out about issues related to sustainability and share your knowledge with others. Participate in environmental education activities and promote ecological awareness in your environment, both personal and professional. In this other post you can know some environmental education activities.

Here we tell you more about how to reduce the ecological footprint.

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