TURNING BACK TIME – STEPS TO DELAY EARTH OVERSHOOT DAY

Earth Overshoot Day is when humanity’s ecological resource consumption exceeds what Earth can regenerate in that year. This deficit is maintained by depleting stocks of environmental resources and accumulating waste, primarily carbon dioxide, in the atmosphere. Our relentless plundering of the planet’s resources has put us on a perilous path, and comparing last year’s Earth Overshoot Day stats makes it clear that at this rate, we will soon exhaust our resources.

A Glimpse into the History of Earth Overshoot Day

Earth Overshoot Day has an intriguing story that’s also a wake-up call. It all started with Andrew Simms, a thinker at the New Economics Foundation in the UK. He came up with this concept, and in 2006, the Global Footprint Network teamed up with the foundation to launch the first Earth Overshoot Day campaign. Since 2007, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), a major conservation group, has also been involved. The date of Earth Overshoot Day has been moving earlier over the years. In the early days, it fell in December, but recently, it has shifted to August, reflecting our increasing demand for Earth’s natural resources. For instance, the dates have moved from December 25, 1971, to August 2, 2023.

#MoveTheDate movement isn’t just about dates changing; it signals that our ecological footprint is growing, and our planet’s biocapacity can’t keep up. At the global level, we’re running a deficit, consuming more than Earth can regenerate. This overuse has various impacts, like carbon dioxide accumulation in the atmosphere, contributing to climate change. Andrew Simms’ original idea has sparked a global conversation about sustainability and how we can adjust our consumption patterns to live within our planet’s means. It’s a reminder that every action counts and that by making more sustainable choices, we can help push Earth Overshoot Day later in the year, aiming for a time when our demands match what Earth can provide.

Understanding Earth Overshoot Day

The date of Earth Overshoot Day is announced each year on June 5 (World Environment Day). The event is hosted and calculated by Global Footprint Network, an international research organisation that provides decision-makers with tools to help the human economy operate within Earth’s ecological limits. The calculation builds on the National Footprint and Biocapacity Accounts, governed by Footprint Data Foundation (FoDaFo ), and maintained by York University. To estimate the year’s Earth Overshoot Day, the latest data points are used to make the date reflect as accurately as possible the reality of the actual year.

To determine the date of Earth Overshoot Day for each year, Global Footprint Network calculates the number of days of that year that Earth’s biocapacity suffices to provide for humanity’s Ecological Footprint. The remainder of the year corresponds to a global overshoot. Earth Overshoot Day is computed by dividing the planet’s biocapacity (the amount of ecological resources Earth can generate that year), by humanity’s Ecological Footprint (humanity’s demand for that year) and multiplying by the number of days in a year. This year, as we are in a leap year, it is 366 days:

(Earth’s Biocapacity / Humanity’s Ecological Footprint) x 366 = Earth Overshoot Day

The Global Impact of Earth Overshoot Day

According to the most recent Global Footprint Network figures (based on data from 2011), the average American uses seven hectares, compared to a global average of 2.7. It’s this figure of seven global hectares that has led to calculate that it would take four Earths – or to be precise, 3.9 Earths – to sustain a population of seven billion at American levels of consumption.

However, the US does not consume the most on this measure. It is ranked fifth among countries with a population of one million or more. Kuwait comes top with 8.9 global hectares (5.1 Earths), followed by Australia (4.8 Earths), the United Arab Emirates (4.7 Earths), and Qatar (4.0 Earths). The others in the top 10 are Canada, Sweden, Bahrain, Trinidad and Tobago, and Singapore. The UK is 32nd on the list (2.4 Earths).

It’s crucial to be mindful of our resource consumption as once-abundant resources are now finite. Discover how individuals and enterprises can contribute to sustainability by reading our previous blog Beyond Secure Recycling. ?

Strategies to Move Back Earth Overshoot Day

Reforest the Planet

Reforesting is a powerful strategy to delay Earth Overshoot Day. Planting 350 million hectares of forest can push this date back by 8 days, absorbing carbon dioxide, combating climate change, and restoring natural habitats.

Circular Computing supports sustainability through projects with WeForest. For every laptop sold, we plant five trees, which will absorb approximately 600kg of CO? over their lifetime, covering the carbon emissions associated with the laptop, including three years of usage. Learn more about our initiative: My5Trees Sustainability Projects.

Reduce Carbon Footprint

If we reduce the amount we drive or switch to electric vehicles to reduce our footprint by 50%, use public transport more often, walk or bike, then Earth Overshoot Day would move back 13 days. Transitioning to renewable energy sources and adopting energy-efficient technologies can further reduce our carbon footprint. 331kg of CO2 is emitted from an average laptop production. Circular Computing’s remanufactured, carbon-neutral HP, Dell, and Lenovo laptops produce only 6.34% of the CO2 compared with an average new laptop. ?

Utilise Existing Technologies

If we can properly utilise existing off-the-shelf, commercial technologies for buildings, industrial processes, and electricity production, we could move Earth Overshoot Days by at least 21 days, without any loss in productivity or comfort, according to research from Global Footprint Network & Schneider Electric. Implementing energy-saving measures and green building practices can significantly impact our ecological footprint.

Cut Food Waste and Meat Consumption

By cutting our food waste in half, and reducing our meat consumption by 50%, we would move Earth Overshoot Day back by 30 days. Adopting a more plant-based diet and reducing food waste can lower the demand for agricultural resources and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.

Manage Population Growth

If each family had on average 1.8 children compared to 2.3 children we currently have & family planning started 2 years later, our population would be at 7.7 billion by 2050 instead of the projected 9.7 billion, and Earth Overshoot Day would be moved back by 49 days. Promoting family planning and education can help manage population growth and reduce pressure on natural resources.

Embrace Circular Economy

Waste from electronics, such as cell phones, computers and other digital devices, represents the world’s fastest-growing waste stream, increasing at an alarming pace of 2Mt per year—equivalent to roughly 9,000 Statues of Liberty. In 2019 alone, approximately 53Mt of e-waste was generated, with 2030 projections estimated to exceed 74Mt. In addition, 80% to 85% of e-waste is not formally collected or properly managed. Only 17.4% of global e-waste is recycled. Read To Combat the environmental damage and harm caused to human health by e-waste in developing countries for more insights. These rates are further exacerbated by poor disposal habits of treating e-waste as household waste, which may encourage the illegal transboundary movement of e-waste.

Current economic systems assume a constant supply of natural resources, resulting in a “take-make-use-dispose” linear model. Circular business models, on the other hand, focus on redesigning product-service systems to enhance business capabilities and market competitiveness. A shift toward circular economy models can help companies not only access untapped financial and business opportunities but also lower their overall environmental impact.

The European Parliament is advocating for a switch to a circular economy. By choosing remanufactured laptops, your business can break free from the unsustainable “take-make-dispose” cycle and adopt a responsible “use-repair-reuse” approach. Discover in-depth insights on the Circular Economy. ?

Recycling vs. Remanufacturing

You may wonder if “recycled” and “remanufactured” can be used interchangeably, or if there are truly differences worth noting to understand how each contributes to environmental protection. The processes of remanufacturing and recycling fall into two distinct areas of the waste management hierarchy. Recycling and remanufacturing also differ in the environmental benefits achieved by each process. Both methods reduce solid and hazardous wastes compared to landfilling, but remanufacturing outshines recycling in the reduction of energy use, greenhouse gasses, and air and water emissions.

These differences can largely be attributed to the additional handling and transportation required for reintroducing recycled materials into the manufacturing process. However, both recycling and remanufacturing are important components of a circular economy model for sustainable resource management. Read Remanufactured vs Refurbished Laptops, our blog for in-depth knowledge.

Conclusion

Earth Overshoot Day is a pressing issue that affects not only our planet’s health but also our well-being. However, there are solutions available that can help move back Earth Overshoot Day and create a more sustainable future for all.

It is the responsibility of individuals, governments, and businesses to take action towards sustainability and work towards #MoveTheDate Solutions – Earth Overshoot Day. By making small changes in our daily lives and supporting larger-scale efforts, we can create a healthier planet for ourselves and future generations.

The sustainability journey continues, bringing us closer to achieving a better balance between human activities and nature. Let us progress with confidence, knowledge, and passion for creating a brighter future for our planet. Stay informed and motivated by tracking the progress of Earth Overshoot Day each year and taking action to #MoveTheDate. Together, we can make a difference in creating a more sustainable world.