Ecological overshoot

Earth Overshoot Day is arriving five months earlier than it did in 1972.

Earth Overshoot Day marks the date each year when humanity’s demand for ecological resources exceeds what the planet can regenerate in that year. Everything after it is drawn from natural capital — an ecological deficit. Half a century ago the day fell in late December; in 2026 it lands on July 30.

The day, year by year

Overshoot Day Days in ecological deficit One Earth (Dec 31)

Full data table

Year	Earth Overshoot Day	Day of year	Days in deficit

Source: Global Footprint Network, Past Earth Overshoot Days (recalculated series, 2026 edition). Dates before the current year are back-cast using the latest National Footprint & Biocapacity Accounts, so historical dates differ slightly from what was announced in earlier years. 1971 is not included in the current published set. “Days in deficit” = days from Overshoot Day through December 31.