Austria has already used up its natural resources for the year by March 29, marking its national “Overshoot Day” earlier than last year’s date of April 7. Experts from the Global Footprint Network calculate each country’s Overshoot Day based on “biocapacity” and ecological “demand,” which indicate when humanity’s use of resources exceeds what the Earth can regenerate annually.
Austria ranks among the highest consumers of natural resources. Qatar used up its share the fastest, reaching its Overshoot Day on February 6. Greenpeace called Austria’s early date an alarming wake-up call. “We are living far beyond our means, at the expense of the climate, nature and future generations. We must act now and leave behind a wasteful economy in favor of a system that protects nature and uses resources responsibly,” said Greenpeace spokesperson Ursula Bittner.
Criticism also came from Global 2000 and the Green Party. “We are taking away the foundation of life for the next generation. This is not just about individual consumption. Large corporations also have a responsibility. That is why the supply chain law is so important, because voluntary action has proven ineffective,” said Anna Leitner from Global 2000. “Starting tomorrow, Austria is living on ecological credit,” added Green Party environmental spokesperson Lukas Hammer, pointing to Austria’s high rate of land use.
Updated Calculation Method
While Austria’s Overshoot Day last year corresponded to using 3.7 Earths, this year the number rose to 4.1. However, this increase is due to changes in how the data is calculated. Greenpeace notes that the change does not mean Austrians are suddenly using significantly more resources. One key change involved reassigning carbon emissions to countries based on trade flows. This adjustment increases Austria’s calculated footprint, even if its actual consumption remained the same. Previous years will also be recalculated, which may shift those Overshoot Days too. This year’s global Overshoot Day is July 24. Uruguay will be the last country to exceed its limit, with a date of December 17.
Ecological Footprint and Its Limits
Biocapacity includes land and water areas that are biologically productive, such as forests, farmland, and fisheries. Ecological demand refers to the amount of space needed to support consumption. This includes the production of food, fiber, livestock, fish, timber, infrastructure and CO2 absorption through forests.
Greenpeace also points out limits in the ecological footprint model. For example, it tends to favor high crop yields as positive, even if achieved through unsustainable practices like pesticide use. Intensive monocultures may appear more favorable than organic farming. The model also does not factor in water use, biodiversity, waste, nonrenewable resources or toxins. Despite this, the ecological footprint and Overshoot Day remain among the best-known indicators for illustrating sustainability and planetary limits.
To mark the day, climate and environmental groups including Extinction Rebellion, Parents For Future and LobauBleibt are organizing a demonstration on Saturday at Christian-Broda-Platz in Vienna. The event will include speeches and artistic performances to raise awareness about the growing overuse of natural resources.
