This video 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.
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.
Additional Prerequisites
To learn more about Earth Overshoot Day, visit their website.
The calculation of Earth Overshoot Day takes into consideration five categories: planet, energy, cities, food, and people.
Differentiation
Students in social studies classes could research overshoot days for different countries. Students could present their findings to the class and offer solutions for their assigned country.
Interested students could 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 could create a social media campaign using the hashtag #MoveTheDate.
Scientist Notes
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.
Standards
Science and Engineering
ESS3: Earth and Human Activity
MS-ESS3-4 Construct an argument supported by evidence for how increases in human population and per-capita consumption of natural resources impact Earth’s systems.
HS-ESS3-4 Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.
Social Studies
Personal Finance & Economics
Personal Finance (F1): Students understand the principles and processes of personal finance by explaining how scarcity influences choices and relates to the market economy.
Global Connections (F2): Students understand economic aspects of unity and diversity in Maine, the United States, and the world, including Maine Native American communities, by analyzing how resource distribution effects wealth, poverty, and other economic factors.
