1076. The Need to Avoid Overshoot

Earth Overshoot Day is defined as the day when humanity's demand for ecosystem resources and services exceeds what Earth can regenerate and supply in a given year. It is organized and reported by the Global Footprint Network, a non-profit international think tank.

Earth Overshoot Day in 2024 was set for August 1, as humanity is estimated to consume 1.7 Earths worth of resources. In terms of Japan, it is consuming resources equivalent to 6.6 times its own capacity to meet its residents’ demand for nature. 

This overconsumption has led to deforestation, soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and increased atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations. These changes increase the frequency of extreme weather events and impair food production. To avoid global overshoot, we must reassess our consumption, production, and economic practices.

A paper published in the journal Nature Communications stressed the importance of urgently reducing greenhouse gas emissions to maintain the stability of the Earth system, arguing that overshooting the goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels would significantly increase the risk of triggering tipping points that could lead to irreversible changes in the climate.

Reference
Möller, T., Högner, A.E., Schleussner, CF. et al. Achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions critical to limit climate tipping risks. Nat Commun 15, 6192 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-49863-0

Contributor: IIYAMA Miyuki, Information Program