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Earth Overshoot Day 2020 has been delayed by three week – with reports citing the COVID-19 lockdown as the reason.
Earth overshoot day is when humanity’s demand on nature exceeds what the earth’s ecosystem can renew in a year.
Although pandemic-related lockdowns meant a reduction in human activity, experts have warned that ‘much more action is needed’ to slash our ecological footprint, as we currently live as though we have the resources of 1.6 planets.
‘We need an overhaul’
“COVID-19 has been one of the most profound events in living history – the entire world literally stopped,” said Tessa Clarke, co-founder of sustainability brand OLIO.
“And yet this only pushed back Earth Overshoot Day by three weeks.
“It’s clear we need a complete overhaul of how we consume and live in the world to make significant progress in bringing the date forward so that humanity can once again exist in equilibrium with the planet.”
Young people
A new survey released by Good Energy to tie-in with Earth Overshoot Day has revealed that many young people worry about the planet, with 64 percent of respondents saying they want the U.K. government to do more to fight the climate crisis, and 50 percent saying they want a job in the green economy to protect the planet.
In a statement sent to Plant Based News, Juliet Davenport, climate scientist and founder of renewable power company Good Energy, said: “Earth Overshoot Day reminds us all that we are using more resources than our planet can afford to give.
“On this day, we want to highlight what the transition to a green economy would mean for future generations. Young people understand the volatile position we are in and want Government and business to act so that we move the date back before it is too late.
“We owe it to future generations to prioritise a green recovery today. For better jobs, greener lives and a more hopeful future.”
