Overview
- Germany hits its national Earth Overshoot Day on Sunday, May 10, meaning the country has used the share of renewable resources meant to last all year.
- The Global Footprint Network sets the date by comparing resource use and CO2 output with nature’s capacity to regenerate, and at Germany’s rate the world would need about 2.8 Earths.
- Environmental group BUND blames heavy use of coal, oil and gas, pointing to energy‑intensive chemicals, the building stock, road transport and industrial livestock as key drivers.
- Groups warn that the strain is already visible in Germany through more droughts, heavier downpours and rising urban heat that affect farms, homes and health.
- The 2026 mark falls one week later than in 2025, which landed on May 3, with BUND and outlets attributing the shift to updated data and changed calculation methods.