These EU states have already used up their natural resources for 2026

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

🗞️ Driving the news: Portugal has reached its 2026 Overshoot Day, meaning it has already used the natural resources it can sustainably regenerate this year

🔭 The context: According to ZERO and the Global Footprint Network, if everyone lived like the average Portuguese citizen, humanity would need 2.9 Earths
• Portugal’s footprint has slightly improved from 2025, but food and transport remain the main drivers of overconsumption

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Overshoot signals that economies are consuming land, water, energy and ecosystems faster than nature can recover
• Reducing meat consumption, improving transport, cutting waste and expanding circular practices are essential to lower pressure on biodiversity and climate systems

⏭️ What’s next: Portugal is urged to invest in sustainable agriculture, plant-based food, public transport, cycling, teleworking and longer-lasting products
• The Global Footprint Network will announce Earth Overshoot Day 2026 on June 5

💬 One quote: “From today, the country will start using natural resources that should only be used from 1 January, 2027.” — Euronews

📈 One stat: Portugal’s transport sector accounted for 52% of national CO₂ emissions in 2023, according to the IEA

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