Earth Overshoot Day and citizens’ powers to make a difference
Each year, humanity marks a troubling milestone: Earth Overshoot Day. This is the date when our global demand for ecological resources and services exceeds what Earth can regenerate in that year. Simply put, it’s the moment we begin living beyond our ecological means.
The earlier in the year this date falls, the greater the strain on our planet. Back in 1970, Earth Overshoot Day occurred on December 23, meaning we only borrowed from future resources for about a week. Today, that overshoot starts months earlier, leaving us hundreds of days in the ecological red. In 2024, Earth Overshoot Day fell on August 1, pushing humanity into an ecological deficit for the remaining five months of the year.
The effects of this imbalance are felt globally and are contributing to biodiversity loss, deforestation, water scarcity, and climate change.
What Is Country Overshoot Day?
While Earth Overshoot Day looks at global consumption, Country Overshoot Day zooms in to examine the ecological impact of individual nations. It marks the hypothetical date Earth Overshoot Day would fall if everyone on the planet lived like the people in that country.
According to the 2023 data from the Global Footprint Network , the average Country Overshoot Day for the EU in 2025 will land on April 29. Some member countries have already crossed their threshold much earlier—joining a growing list of nations contributing disproportionately to ecological overshoot.
All countries where MISSION CE CLIMATE is implemented, the Country Overshoot Day in 2025 is in the first half of the year and in some of the countries is already passed.
Austria: March 29th
Slovenia: April 8th
Croatia: April 27th
Germany: May 3rd
Italy: May 6st
Slovakia: May 10th
How citizens can push their Country Overshoot Day down the line?
Individual and community efforts can significantly reduce a country’s ecological footprint and provide a more sustainable resource use. Below are just some examples of how we, as citizens, can help prolong our Country’s Overshoot Day:
-Upgrade energy efficiency: Insulate homes, invest in solar panels, and switch to renewable energy sources.
-Conserve water: Use smart fixtures, recycle greywater, and collect rainwater for gardening.
-Reduce waste: Embrace circular living—repair, reuse, and recycle wherever possible.
-Eat smarter: Opt for local, seasonal, and plant-based foods to cut down on the resource-intensive meat and dairy industry.
-Rethink transportation: Walk, bike, carpool, or use public transit instead of driving solo.
-Green your surroundings: Plant climate-resilient gardens and participate in local reforestation or urban greening projects.
-Strengthen community action: Support shared green initiatives, build disaster resilience, and foster environmental awareness in your local area.
When adopted at scale, these everyday actions have the potential to delay a country’s Overshoot Day, helping to keep us within our planet’s ecological budget. We have more sustainable practices and guide on how to implement them in our Citizens’ guide to climate resilience
Country Overshoot Day serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for change. It highlights both the consequences of overconsumption and the opportunities for meaningful action. As citizens, we hold the keys to a more balanced future—one that respects the planet’s limits while ensuring prosperity for generations to come.