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Jean Lambert London's Green MEP

Earth Overshoot Day: ‘Time for the Government to clean up its act,’ says Jean Lambert MEP

1 August 2018

Today is Earth Overshoot Day – this marks the date when humanity has used more from nature than our planet can renew in the entire year.

In 2018, we’ll use the equivalent of 1.7 Earths to support human civilisation. And at current rates, two Earths will be needed to keep up with demand by 2030.

Jean Lambert, London’s Green MEP, said:

“Today is Earth Overshoot Day. That means humanity has used more from nature than our planet can regenerate in a whole year. In other words, from this day until the end of 2018, we live on a planet borrowed from future generations. This will cause more droughts, hurricanes, wildfires and unbearably hot and unpredictable weather in years to come.

This summer’s sweltering heatwaves should be a wake-up call. We’re even seeing wildfires in the Arctic Circle. This is not a drill. The Earth’s fragile ecological balance is transforming before our eyes.

Still the UK Government continues to bury its head in the sand. According to the latest figures, the UK is using four times its quota of natural resources every year. Yet, our leaders continue to push our environment closer to the brink – approving new fracking sites, forging ahead with Heathrow expansion, and pulling the rug from under renewable energy.  

This Earth Overshoot Day, I’m calling on the Government to clean up its act and take meaningful action to protect our planet.”