Is growth in consumption occurring where it is most needed? An empirical analysis of current energy and material trends
1Institute of Geography and Sustainability, Faculty of Geosciences and Environment, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, SwitZerland.
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Summary
Global energy and material use is unequal, with many nations lacking basic needs. Current trends show insufficient progress towards equitable distribution, jeopardizing wellbeing and sustainability goals.
Area of Science:
- Sustainable Development
- Resource Management
- Global Equity
Background:
- Global energy and material consumption is increasing, straining planetary boundaries.
- Significant inequalities exist, preventing billions from meeting basic needs.
- Minimum requirements for human wellbeing are estimated, but consumption trends are unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare national energy and material footprints with Decent Living Standards (DLS) requirements.
- To assess the extent of consumption shortfalls and surpluses across nations.
- To evaluate progress towards DLS and identify timelines for achieving them.
Main Methods:
- Empirical modeling using national energy and material footprint datasets.
- Comparison with estimated energy and material needs for DLS.
- Analysis of consumption growth rates and national inequalities.
Main Results:
- The world consumes 2.5 times more energy and materials than needed for global DLS.
- 50% of nations face energy shortfalls, and 46% face material shortfalls.
- Current growth rates are too slow to achieve DLS by 2050 for most deficit nations; convergence is centuries away.
Conclusions:
- Global resource use is not moving towards a just and ecological future.
- Redistribution of energy and materials within and between countries is essential.
- Achieving DLS for all and Paris Agreement objectives requires urgent redistribution and faster convergence.