Why Earth Overshoot Day Was Almost One Month Earlier in 2021
Videos
Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12Biology, Earth and Space Sciences
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Provided by NowThis Earth
What it is
- 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.
Teaching tips
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.
From the scientist review
This resource presents evidence for natural resource management and establishes the need to study biocapacity, ecological footprints, and proffer solutions for the planet. This will be insightful for students, and it is recommended.
Ready to use it?
Hosted on youtube.com
Want this to fit your class?
Add your location for local examples, questions, and action ideas.
