According to GFN, a non-profit group formed in 2003, Earth's cumulative "ecological debt" now requires 18 years of regeneration to reverse the effects of overuse of natural resources, if they can be reversed.

"Humans use as much ecological resources as if we lived on 1.6 Earths," the organisation claims.

"The Ecological Footprint is the only metric that compares the resource demand of individuals, governments, and businesses against what Earth can renew."

GFN says the day in the year we overshoot the planet's ecological capacity is three weeks later than usual this year.

Coronavirus-induced lockdowns caused the global ecological footprint to contract almost 10%.

"Sustainability requires both ecological balance and people's well-being ensured over the long-term, therefore this year's sudden ecological footprint contraction cannot be mistaken for progress," said Global Footprint Network CEO Laurel Hanscom.

"This year more than ever, Earth Overshoot Day highlights the need for strategies that increase resilience for all."