Sustainable production and consumption are fundamental actions for the preservation of the environment and the guarantee of a more balanced future for the next generations. The growing demand for the generation of material goods that meet commercial and human survival needs is a reality that has raised concerns about sustainability and the environment. The increase in the global population, technological development and the growth of consumption power in many countries have contributed to a greater expenditure of natural resources and the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG).

This scenario has significant impacts on the environment, including the degradation of natural ecosystems, air, water and soil pollution, as well as climate changes that affect the health and quality of life of people around the world. To meet this new reality, industrial production increased significantly, leading to greater exploitation of natural resources – of finite and already scarce origin. In addition, the increased consumption of food and consumer goods has also brought us to an era of greater use of land, water and electricity, collaborating with processes of natural wear and tear in areas that need care and preservation, so that the planet does not reaches a threshold level of ecological, climatic stress and lack of basic natural resources for the survival of all terrestrial life.

Earth Overshoot Day

Earth Overshoot Day (Overshoot Day, in English) is an indicator calculated annually by the Global Footprint Network, an international sustainability research and analysis organization, which determines the date on which humanity runs out of natural resources available for the year. In other words, it is the day when human exploitation of natural resources and ecosystem services exceeds the Earth's capacity to regenerate them in the same year. This date is calculated annually by the Global Footprint Network, an international research organization that monitors humanity's ecological footprint. Overshoot Day has occurred earlier and earlier over the years, bringing serious consequences for the environment, such as loss of biodiversity, deforestation, pollution and climate change.

In 2023, Earth Overshoot Day was calculated for the 28th of July. This means that, from that date, humanity will start to consume more resources than the Earth is able to produce and regenerate in the same period of time. This overload results in an ecological deficit that accumulates over time and has negative environmental, social and economic consequences.

In order to reverse this situation, it is necessary to adopt sustainable production and consumption practices that allow the reduction of the impact of human activity on the environment, in addition to guaranteeing the preservation of natural resources for future generations. This involves:

• the use of clean and efficient technologies;
• reducing waste and pollution;
• the promotion of sustainable agriculture;
• the promotion of conscious consumption habits.

The adoption of sustainable practices also brings economic and social benefits, such as reducing production costs, creating green jobs and improving the population's quality of life. In addition, it contributes to the fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN Agenda 2030, which aim to eradicate poverty, promote social equality and protect the environment.

UN Sustainable Development Goals and Terram Overshoot Day Are Constant Topics at Global Forums on Environment and Climate

The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are directly related to Earth Overshoot Day, since the primary goal of the SDGs is to promote sustainability and reduce the negative impact that human activities have on the environment, promoting development sustainable, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preserving the planet's natural resources. Some of the specific goals that directly relate to Earth Overshoot Day include:

• Goal 7: Clean and affordable energy – encourages the transition to renewable energy sources, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
• Objective 12: Responsible consumption and production – seeks to promote sustainable consumption, reducing waste and adopting responsible production and consumption practices.
• Goal 13: Action against global climate change – seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote action to address climate change.
• Objective 14: Life in the water – seeks the preservation and restoration of marine and coastal ecosystems, promoting the conservation of aquatic biodiversity.
• Objective 15: Terrestrial life – seeks to preserve and restore terrestrial ecosystems, promoting the conservation of biodiversity and natural resources.

In all the Global Forums on the environment and climate, the issue of earth overload has been addressed in different ways, with a view to proposing projects, actions and goals for global collaboration to reverse the causes of the depletion of natural resources. Some of the initiatives include:

• Encourage the adoption of sustainable production and consumption practices, such as promoting the circular economy;
• Discuss the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote renewable energy sources;
• Reinforce the importance of conservation and restoration of natural ecosystems, such as forests, oceans and rivers;
• Address the need to reduce waste and pollution, especially in urban areas;
• Promote international cooperation and knowledge sharing to address sustainability challenges.

Overall, Earth Overshoot Day is an important reminder that we need to change our practices to ensure that we can continue to live on a healthy and sustainable planet. Currently, several initiatives are underway and global goals clearly established to reverse the causes of Earth Overshoot Day. Some of them are:

• The Paris Agreement: is an international agreement that seeks to limit the increase in global average temperature to 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with the aim of avoiding the worst impacts of climate change.
• Ecosystem conservation and restoration initiatives: several organizations and governments worldwide linked to the UN have been working on the protection and restoration of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, promoting the conservation of biodiversity and reducing the loss of natural habitats.
• Awareness campaigns: several awareness campaigns have been promoted to encourage and raise awareness about the change in behavior of the world's population - mainly in countries where consumption rates are higher - in relation to the consumption of natural resources, including the reduction of consumption of energy and water, the use of sustainable transport and the reduction of waste.
• Investments in clean technologies: Companies and governments around the world have invested in clean technologies, such as renewable energy and electric vehicles, to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

It is critical that each of us actively engage in discussions and actions to reverse the trends leading to Earth Overshoot Day. As responsible citizens, we have a duty to protect the environment and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. This involves changes in our consumption habits, the adoption of more sustainable practices in our daily activities and participation in social and political movements that defend the protection of the environment. In addition, it is important that we pressure our political and business leaders to act more responsibly towards the environment. Only with everyone's collaboration and engagement will we be able to achieve a sustainable future and avoid the serious consequences of overloading the planet.