If nature was run like a bank account, we'd all expect to be told when there was nothing left to take. 2 August is when we, humanity, get that 'official' warning from the 'Bank of Nature'. It's called Earth Overshoot Day.

The Earth provides us with vital things like freshwater, food and air — and, up to a certain point, it has an amazing capacity to regenerate. But we can't keep taking and expect the Earth to cope.

Earth Overshoot Day marks the moment when we have taken as much as the planet can sustain in the current calendar year. "Beyond that point (and in 2017 there are still over 150 days to go), the 'account' is technically empty. And what does that mean for our amazing wildlife, wildernesses and people? It's not good news. More forests flattened. Oceans emptied. Species harvested until their numbers collapse. It's sad to note that this year Earth Overshoot Day is taking place earlier than any other year since we first pushed the planet into 'debt' in the 1970s. Our actions, and even daily decisions, can hold the key for a better, more sustainable future in more ways than one," WWF reported. 

Anyone can become everyday heroes for the planet. It does not take any magical superpower, just the realization that we have a role to play, as part of mankind and nature itself.

New Footprint Calculator highlights solutions just in time for Earth Overshoot Day

Global Footprint Network, an international research organization, is marking Earth Overshoot Day this year with the launch of a new mobile-friendly Footprint calculator at www.footprintcalculator.org.

The new Footprint Calculator allows users to measure their own demand on nature (Ecological Footprint) and assess their personal Earth Overshoot Day. A user's personal Earth Overshoot day is the date Earth Overshoot Day would be if all people had their Footprint.

How will YOU #movethedate of Earth Overshoot Day? #movethedate and create a sustainable future!

Aug. 4, 2017 Living photo: WWF Intl / Greg Marinovich /The Stand

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