Earth Overshoot Day: humanity burns through planet's yearly resources in 7 months

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Euronews or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Humanity has used up Earth's annual budget for renewable resources by 1 August, marking this date as Earth Overshoot Day
• This date indicates that, for the rest of the year, we are consuming resources that cannot be replenished within the year

🔭 The context: Since 1971, Earth Overshoot Day has moved progressively earlier in the year
• The Global Footprint Network calculates this date by comparing humanity's ecological footprint with the planet's biocapacity
• The persistent overshoot stresses the planet's ecosystems and accelerates environmental degradation

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: This overshoot reflects unsustainable consumption patterns that contribute to climate change, biodiversity loss, and ecological crises
• Reducing the overshoot is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and ensuring the planet's long-term health

⏭️ What's next: Significant reductions in CO2 emissions and shifts toward sustainable living are necessary to delay Earth Overshoot Day
• Proposed solutions include enhancing energy efficiency, transitioning to renewable energy, and promoting sustainable urban planning

💬 One quote: "Overshoot will end. The question is how: by design or by disaster." — Lewis Akenji, Global Footprint Network

📈 One stat: If global emissions were cut by 43% by 2030, Earth Overshoot Day could be pushed back by 19 days annually

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