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Why Earth Overshoot Day Was Almost One Month Earlier in 2021

Provided by: NowThis Earth |Published on: April 27, 2021

Videos Grades 6-8, 9-12

Synopsis

This video from NowThis Earth explains Earth Overshoot Day, the day in the calendar year when humans have consumed as many ecological resources and services as the Earth can regenerate in one year.
Students will understand the meaning behind Earth Overshoot Day, the trend of the day happening earlier in the year, and how individual countries have approached the day at different points in the year.
Earth Overshoot Day was created by the Global Footprint Network.

Subjects: Biology, Earth and Space Sciences

Authors: NowThis Earth

Region: Global

Languages: English

Positives

Some students may not have heard of Earth Overshoot Day, but it is an important concept to understand as students consider management of natural resources.
After watching this video, students have immediate agency to make different choices. For example, students can decide to buy less clothing, jewelry, electronics, or toys.

Prerequisites

Students should understand that even renewable resources have to be used responsibly, as they take time to replenish.
The calculation of Earth Overshoot Day takes into consideration five categories: planet, energy, cities, food, and people.

Differentiation & Implementation

Students in social studies classes can research overshoot days for different countries. Students can present their findings to the class and offer solutions for their assigned country.
Interested students can launch campaigns in their school to reduce consumption, including the use of reusable water bottles, the installation of hydration stations, or the push to change traditions around gift-giving holidays so that the school community buys less stuff.
Students can create a social media campaign using the hashtag #MoveTheDate.

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Resource Type and Format