What is Earth Overshoot Day?

Each year since 1973, we’ve used up the planet’s yearly supply of ecological resources faster than ecosystems can regenerate them. The day we hit that threshold is called Earth Overshoot Day, and this year, it’s expected to fall on July 30. That means that by the end of July, we’ll have consumed an entire year’s worth of resources.

When we use more resources than we can replenish, the planet struggles to maintain equilibrium. Without this fragile balance, we see more extremes: unbearable heat, catastrophic weather, and relentless drought are all on the rise. Last month, we saw a deadly heat wave sweep across the globe, breaking records in over 150 American cities and in cities all across Europe.

What can we do to reverse years of environmental damage? At the Rainforest Alliance, we’re working to restore our tropical rainforests and protect the landscapes that can help push back Earth Overshoot Day.

We do this by helping farmers give back to the land more than they take. Through our recently released Regenerative Agriculture Certification, we help accelerate efforts to restore ecosystems, improve soil health, conserve biodiversity, and boost climate resilience.

Here are a few exciting examples of how we helped the planet in 2026:

- 5.5 million metric tons of greenhouse emissions avoided or sequestered
- 11.9 million hectares of ecosystems protected, better managed, restored, and sustainably cultivated
- 937,700 hectares of biodiversity-rich areas supported through ecosystem protection or restoration activities

When you make a donation to support the Rainforest Alliance, you prove your dedication to helping save vulnerable ecosystems, fighting climate change, and fostering sustainable livelihoods for millions of people across the world.