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Sat, 22nd Aug 2020 13:08:00 |
Earth Overshoot Day: When consumption outstrips the planet's eco resources |
Today is Earth Overshoot Day, the point where scientists say we've used all the ecological resources the planet can produce in 12 months.
As consumption grows, that day is getting earlier. However, because of Covid this year it's been pushed back by three weeks.
But a global campaign to "move the date" has been launched virtually and supported by the Scottish government.
Environmentalists say it's vital we stop eroding Earth's natural resources.
Mathis Wackernagel is founder of the Global Footprint Network which carries out the calculation for Earth Overshoot Day.
He explained: "Everything we use puts a demand on nature in terms of space; the potato that takes space, I want milk from the cow, it takes space, to absorb the extra CO2 from burning fossil fuels takes space.
"All these things that take space we can add up and then we can compare how much is our demand compared to how much is available."
This year, the calculation estimates that we've exceed demand by 56% - even with the pandemic.
But lockdown has reduced our consumption, meaning Earth Overshoot Day has been delayed for the first time.
Read original full article
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