Let's create continuous conversations about climate change education: Spreading the Sediment of Science!

Why Earth Overshoot Day Was Almost One Month Earlier in 2021

Provided by: NowThis Earth |Published on: April 27, 2021

Videos Grades 6-8, 9-12

Synopsis

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.

Subjects: Science, Social Studies

Authors: NowThis Earth

Region: Global

Languages: English

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

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Resource Type and Format