EARTH OVERSHOOT day pushed back by three weeks

Today, the 22nd of August, Humanity has consumed all the resources the Planet is capable of producing and regenerating in one year.

Earth Overshoot Day: what is it? 

It’s calculated by the NGO Global Footprint Network, based on our global ecological footprint.

Since 50 years, this date arrives sooner and sooner, meaning growing exploitation of natural resources. In fact, to keep living with the current consumption rates we would need 1.6 Earths.

To know more about the Overshoot Dat, we recommend you visit the NGO’s website, where you can also calculate your own overshoot day and ecological footprint.

Ok, so what? 

As the image shows, despite growing global awareness about environmental issues, we (especially developed countries) keep leading a lifestyle and support an economic system incompatible with the natural resources available to us.

This year, the Overshoot day arrives, for the first time in years, three weeks later compared to 2019. The cause: the forced stop created by Covid19. Sadly, as warned by the scientific community, the slight climate improvements are not there to last without radical changes in our lifestyles and systems.

So what can I do? 

To start, I can calculate my own footprint and see how many planets we would need if everyone was to live according to my lifestyle.

Next, I can make some small adjustments in my day-to-day. For instance, using my bike more, eating less meat, buying local, and buy second-hand. It’s a good start!

To go even further, you can join an environmental group like Greenpeace, Extinction Rebellion or WWF, that fight for a greener future and to generate change at the political level. Or you can go and vote for candidates supporting a green agenda. Voting is one of the most powerful ways to express your voice as a citizen.

And Maewan in all this?

Our sailboat is like a miniature earth where we have to manage our stocks of food and energy while respecting the rhythms of the sea and the extreme climates that accompany us.

Repositioning Man at the centre of his environment is our reason to exist. And future generations, who are drivers of individual and community change! We support them through sport, discovery, which are incredible sources of inspiration. In this way, we also raise awareness about how to live well with limited natural resources.

We are currently preparing the next leg of our expedition in Antarctica. There, we will carry out educational actions in two local primary schools. Keep following us for more updates!