When you consume resources faster than the earth can reproduce them, hence end up borrowing from the future.
The post-industrialization human activities have accelerated the climate change and global warming. It is evident now that fossil fuels, one of the main natural resources on earth, on which humanity is depending greatly, are depleting at a faster rate than they can be renewed. The same goes for ecological resources- forests, wood, soil, land, and many more.
And this is exactly what environmentalists around the world are extremely concerned about.
#EarthOvershootDay is the date in each year which indicates that we have used all the resources we should have been ideally consuming till the last day of the year. And now, we are drawing out the resources which belong to future generations. This is because earth cannot reproduce these resources as fast as we are consuming them.
This year we are observing Earth Overshoot Day on August 2, 2023.
Earth is the life support system for humankind. Its capacity to sustain human life through various resources is called biocapacity. Our demand for those natural resources is measured by calculating Ecological Footprint.
Earth Overshoot Day is determined by dividing Earth’s biocapacity by the total Ecological Footprint of mankind and multiplying it by 365. Global Footprint Network calculates this date every year.
(Earth’s Biocapacity / Ecological Footprint) x 365 = Earth Overshoot Day
Every year, the annual dates of Earth Overshoot Day of past years are recalculated to maintain accuracy. These data sets are important because they help global organisations determine their direction of climate actions. They also alert the general population about the emergency of climate change.
In 1971, Earth Overshoot Day was observed at the end of December; now in 2023, it’s on 2nd August. Year by year, humanity’s demand for natural resources is growing but earth cannot regenerate those resources at the same speed. Hence, Earth Overshoot Day is occurring earlier every year.
After 2nd August of this year, we will be consuming the natural resources which are supposed to be reserved for future generations. According to sources, the speed of our consumption is so high that we will be using resources equal to 1.7 times what one earth can provide. If this continues, we will face a resource crisis along with climate crisis.
Hence, we need to determine how fast we will consume all these resources. For that, we must prioritize our needs first.
Globally, scientists, governments, and private and international entities are now making efforts to move the date back.
#MoveTheDate is a worldwide campaign to raise awareness of #EarthOvershootDay2023 and encourage people to take action to move the date back. These actions include things like investing in renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and protecting forests. The date can be pushed back by limiting our uses, following different mechanisms like the 5Rs, prioritising the basic needs of everyone over the greed of the few, and participating in the activities of organisations like UNEP, UNFCC, WWF etc.
Opting for non-conventional resources like solar, wind, and hydro energy, E-mobility alternatives, energy transition, keeping your carbon footprint in check, caro reporting ad caro credits are also important elements of the strategies worked out on the international level.
MITCON takes pride in working in these sectors ad supporting businesses to become more responsible towards the only livable planet we have.
To know how we can assist you to #MoveTheDate back and be more climate-aware,
Please visit: https://www.mitconindia.com/energy-transition/climate-change-and-sustainability/
“As a global consultant to businesses and organizations worldwide, we can help you to navigate the complexities of the environment, energy transition, business advisory, skill development and identify opportunities for cost-effective savings in your operation”.