Earth Overshoot Day

22 August 2020

Message from the Director General

Gareth Johnstone

Gareth Johnstone
Director General
WorldFish

Earth Overshoot Day marks the date when humanity consumes more from nature than the planet can renew within a year. In 2020, we reach this day on 22 August, an improvement of 24 days compared to last year. The COVID-19 pandemic response has halted travel and interrupted supply chains causing humanity to consume fewer resources. However, the sustainability that allows people and planet to thrive must be achieved through design, not disaster.

In 1961, humanity used only 73 percent of the biological resources that Earth could renew that year. In 2020, humanity uses 160 percent of what Earth's biocapacity can renew this year. That's as much as if we lived on 1.6 planets. It’s urgent we use less now by being smart about the way we consume resources.

The response to the COVID-19 pandemic presents a unique opportunity to build forward better and make considerable ground to #MoveTheDate. As part of recovery efforts, we must reimagine our ecological footprint to forge sustainable pathways that support people and planet.

Our food is a great place to start. Agriculture contributes a significant share of the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change. High demand for land-based crops and livestock is exacerbating climate action and putting pressure on wildlife and natural ecosystem, which are experiencing the fastest rates of extinction because of habitat loss. 

Aquatic foods, animals and plants harvested from water, must play a larger role in sustainably feeding the world. Aquatic foods also offer a variety of micronutrients not found in other plants and animals that are great for human health.

New research shows sustainable aquaculture produces much less carbon emissions than land-based livestock. WorldFish is bringing together influential researchers, development, government and private sector representatives to mobilize a global movement to push more sustainable and nutritious aquatic foods onto plates

Transforming our global food system with sustainable and climate-resilient aquatic foods offers the opportunity to accelerate efforts on a number of Sustainable Development Goals, namely SDG 1: No Poverty, 2: Zero Hunger, 3: Health and Well-being, 5: Gender Equality, 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, 10: Reduced Inequalities, 13: Climate Action, 14: Life Below Water and 17: Partnerships for Sustainable Development. 

Tropical oceans are some of the first places where climate change impact is being felt, impacting the vulnerable communities that depend on them. If we don’t act now to cut global emissions there will be stark biological and socio-economic impacts. Research projects the maximum aquatic food catch potential in some tropical zones could decline by up to 40% by the 2050s, impacting economic, food and nutrition security. 

Effective and practical adaptation solutions for both small-scale and industrial fisheries, built on the involvement of all appropriate stakeholders and supporting policies, are needed to sustain fisheries productivity in the tropics. In aquaculture, there is increasing evidence to show integrating fish, roots, tubers and bananas in food systems can build climate resilience and productivity. While the replacement of fisheries-derived fishmeal with yeast-derived proteins can improve sustainability. 

Through research and innovation, WorldFish is working to reduce food waste and loss in aquatic food systems. Studies show around a third of total fish caught in fisheries and aquaculture is lost each year, often as a result of poor post-harvest storage, handling, and processing practices. Our work to trial and promote insulated containers in Egypt and solar-powered freezers in the Solomon Islands is resulting in less waste, more nutritious diets and improved livelihoods. 

Join us on Facebook and Twitter and follow the hashtag #MoveTheDate. We will be covering Earth Overshoot Day updates from around our organization throughout the week.

 

Gareth Johnstone
Director General
WorldFish




Blogs

WorldFish climate change leader Essam Yassin Mohammed seeks a systems approach for resilient aquatic foods

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Replacement of fisheries-derived fishmeal with yeast-derived proteins for sustainable aquaculture in Zambia

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A food system integration story: Fish with roots, tubers and bananas


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World Resources Institute report lays the table for a sustainable food future


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Projects

How rice field fisheries are netting nutrition gains in Cambodia


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Advancing Climate Smart Aquaculture Technologies (ACliSAT)


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The Aquaculture: Increasing income, diversifying diets and empowering women in Bangladesh and Nigeria

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Enhanced Coastal Fisheries in Bangladesh (ECOFISH-BD)


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Videos

Fish with Roots, Tubers and Bananas (RTB crops)

This short video draws attention to the importance of combining fish with roots, tubers, and bananas (RTB) in achieving a nutritious and sustainable diet in developing countries.

A climate resilient and inclusive aquatic foods system

Marine and freshwater resources provide millions of impoverished people across the world with livelihoods and provide a range of critical ecosystem services. One billion people worldwide rely on fish as their main or only source of animal protein.

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