Mexican university professor urges sustainable habits on Earth Overshoot Day

Earth Overshoot Day marks the point each year when humanity’s consumption exceeds the planet’s capacity to regenerate resources. Professor Ruth Moreno Barajas, a researcher at the Faculty of Urban and Regional Planning of the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México (UAEMéx), said the date highlights urgent need to shift toward more sustainable development models.

Moreno explained that the ecological footprint, which measures the biologically productive area required to meet human needs, now surpasses Earth’s regenerative ability, creating an ecological deficit with environmental, economic and social impacts. She identified deforestation, land‑use change, intensive production and consumption, and long‑distance freight as major drivers that raise greenhouse‑gas emissions and reduce forests’ carbon‑capture capacity.

Linking resource overuse to climate change, biodiversity loss and water scarcity, the professor urged daily actions such as consuming local products, reducing waste, recycling, using water efficiently, extending product lifespans and choosing sustainable transport. She emphasized that public universities play a strategic role in training citizens and professionals committed to sustainability.