Today, 20th May 2025, marks the UK’s Earth Overshoot Day—the date when, if everyone on the planet lived like the average person in the UK, we would have used up our share of the Earth’s renewable resources for the entire year. From this point forward, we’re living in ecological debt.
In our latest Espresso & Geography #CoffeeGeogPod podcast short, I was joined by the ever-thoughtful Dave Wynn—climate advocate, stereo-photographer, harpist, and someone who always brings clarity and compassion to complex issues. Together, we unpacked what Overshoot Day means, why it matters, and how we can use it as a powerful communication tool for sustainability.
What is Earth Overshoot Day?
Earth Overshoot Day is calculated by the Global Footprint Network and marks the date when humanity’s demand for ecological resources exceeds what Earth can regenerate in that year. Each country has its own Overshoot Day, and for the UK in 2025, that day is today.
To put it simply: imagine your annual income is your ecological budget. Overshoot Day is the moment you’ve spent it all. From now until December 31st, we’re dipping into savings we don’t have—borrowing from future generations.
The Numbers Behind the Date
Dave and I explored how this date is calculated —just some division and multiplication. For example, Switzerland’s ecological footprint is 4.25 global hectares per person, while the Earth’s biocapacity is 1.48. That means if everyone lived like the Swiss, we’d need 2.87 Earths. Multiply that ratio by 365 days, and you get their Overshoot Day: May 7th.
For the UK, our footprint puts us at May 20th. That’s slightly better than last year (June 1st), but still far from sustainable.
Who’s Responsible?
Dave raised a crucial point: while individual actions matter, we mustn’t let corporations and governments off the hook. Tools like BP’s infamous “carbon footprint calculator” cleverly shift the burden onto individuals, when in reality, systemic change is essential. Industries that profit from overconsumption must be held accountable.
That said, we’re not perfect. I admitted I’ve used the “X number of Earths” analogy before, but never really thought to translate it into a date. Dave confessed he hadn’t used Overshoot Day in his climate advocacy either—but now sees its potential as a wake-up call.
Hope in the Numbers
Despite the sobering reality, we ended our chat on a hopeful note. The UK’s ecological footprint has been gradually decreasing since 2008. And while we’ve plateaued recently, there’s potential for progress.
Dave reminded us that we don’t need perfection—we need critical mass. If just 3–5% of the population changes their habits, it can trigger a cultural shift. As Anne-Marie Bonneau one said, “We don’t need a handful of people doing sustainability perfectly. We need millions doing it imperfectly.” (I incorrectly attributed the quote to Greta Thunberg!)
Moving Forward
Overshoot Day isn’t just a date—it’s a mirror. It reflects our consumption habits, our economic systems, and our values. But it also offers a chance to change the narrative. Let’s use it not to shame, but to inspire action.
If you haven’t already, check out the Global Footprint Network’s interactive map and see where your country stands. And if this is your first time tuning into Espresso & Geography, I encourage you to explore the rest of the Coffee & Geography podcast and our current Climate Ambassador season—packed with action-oriented, hopeful conversations.
Let’s not just mark Overshoot Day. Let’s #MoveTheDate !
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