Earth Overshoot Day comes 20 days earlier than in 2024

That's it. Between January 1st and Wednesday, May 7th, 2025, Switzerland used as many resources as the planet can regenerate in a year. Earth Overshoot Day , as it's called, comes 20 days earlier than last year. "If all of humanity lived like the Swiss, we would need the natural resources of 2.87 planet Earths," warns the WWF.

The NGO points to the airline industry, whose emissions are increasing, reaching 15.2 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2023. That year, the sector regained first place on the scale of the largest greenhouse gas emitters , ahead of road traffic, whose figures are stagnating. Its impact is skyrocketing, returning to pre-Covid pandemic levels.

For WWF Switzerland, political measures are necessary. The organization is calling for an increase in the CO2 incentive tax levied on fossil fuels, as well as support for the use of renewable energy and building renovations. It does note some positive developments, however: "Emissions from heating and industry have decreased slightly due to rising energy prices."

"Furthermore, we have been waiting since February for the Federal Council's framework document on climate legislation for the period from 2030 onwards . The guidelines outlined therein are of crucial importance," the statement added. Switzerland aims to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

In the meantime, individuals can also make a contribution to delaying the next Overshoot Day as much as possible. "We primarily recommend replacing one or two flights with vacations in locations closer to home," says Damian Oettli, head of markets at WWF Switzerland. In addition to favoring public transportation and cycling, the public is encouraged to choose a vegetarian menu more often and replace oil and gas heaters with resource-saving technologies.