Even though we’ve all heard multiples times’ about climate change, diving into data is the only way to understand what’s going on in order to be part of the change.

It takes Earth 18 months to produce what we consume in one year. Our ecological footprint is now up around 170% when a decade ago it used to be 144% which is still two times the 78% of 1963. Earth overshoot date keeps coming earlier each year. In 2000, overshoot date, meaning the date natural resources were officially done for the year, was late September. This year it was in 2 of August.

Side Effects

Overfishing, deforestation and increased carbon dioxide emissions weigh down Earth and translate into drought, air pollution and biocapacity loss. Around 2.7 billion people lack water at least once per year. According to WHO 4.3 million people died due to air pollution in 2012, 60% of whom were women and children. In 2014, 92% of world’s population lived in areas that didn’t meet WHO air quality criterias’. Similarly, air pollution is the biggest environmental health risk in Europe.

Carbon footprint

Carbon footprint now makes up 60% of the ecological footprint, when 200 years ago it was almost zero. The rest 40% consists of cropland, grazing land, forests, as well as fishing grounds and build up land. Among the efforts to reduce carbon footprint, Paris agreement was signed by 195 countries and EU. A goal of 2 degrees Celsius rise of the average temperatures above pre-industrial revolution levels has been set.

World overview

Despite Mediterranean countries use 2.5 times more natural resources than their biocapacity, a steady decline since mid 2000s has been noted,while economically strong European countries like France and Germany seem to bounce back.

Fast developing Asian countries such as India, China, South Korea and Vietnam have a strong increase in their ecological footprint as well. Meanwhile, Vietnam and Cambodia stick up for their successful efforts to promote sustainability in order to manage their increasing ecological footprint. At the same time low income countries like Honduras, Niger, and Somalia have a hard time managing their increasing footprint.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, nothing screams need for change more, than a glance at first and last records. In 1961 Earth produced 37% resources more, than humanity’s demand,while in 2016 ecological footprint was 64% more than what nature can restore. So take action now! Find your personal footprint and follow our updates about sustainable living.