Global production and consumption of material resources have increased over the last 50 years, growing at an average rate of more than 2.3% annually. Despite this growth, it is the main driver of the triple planetary crisis, including climate change, nature loss, and pollution.
Drivers of Resource Consumption
- Resource consumption is primarily driven by demand in upper-income countries.
- Extraction and processing of material resources account for significant environmental impacts, including greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity loss.
Environmental Impacts of Resource Consumption
- Material resource extraction and processing contribute to over 55% of greenhouse gas emissions and 40% of particulate matter pollution.
- Agriculture and forestry-related activities are responsible for 90% of land-related biodiversity loss and water stress, as well as a third of greenhouse gas emissions.
Future Projections
- Resource exploitation could increase by almost 60% from 2020 levels by 2060, far exceeding what is necessary to meet essential human needs.
Global Resource Inequality
- Upper middle-income countries have significantly increased resource consumption in the past 50 years, exacerbating global inequality.
- Low-income countries consume significantly fewer resources but experience disproportionate environmental impacts.
Launch of Report and Urgent Recommendations
- The report titled “Global Resources Outlook 2024 – Bend the trend: Pathways to a Liveable Planet as Resource Use Spikes” was launched on March 1, 2024, at the Sixth United Nations Environmental Assembly (UNEA-6).
- Urges for resource efficiency, supportive policies, and dramatic reductions in environmental impacts to improve well-being and economic growth, particularly in the Global South.
Quotes and Insights
- UNEP Executive Director emphasizes the potential for drastic reductions in resource use to address inequalities and environmental challenges.
- Deputy President of UNEA-6 stresses the need for balancing resource consumption to improve quality of life.
- Co-chair of IRP highlights the wasteful and unjust nature of current resource consumption and calls for bold policy action.
Recommendations for Action
- Emphasizes the importance of circular, resource-efficient business models and supportive regulations to stem consumption.
- Calls for urgent action to embed resources in multilateral environmental agreements and define sustainable resource use paths.
Importance of the Report
- Provides comprehensive analysis and outlook on global resource use, highlighting its impacts on climate change, nature loss, and pollution.
- Offers pathways to maintain economic growth, reduce inequalities, and mitigate environmental impacts.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What has been the average annual growth rate of global production and consumption of material resources over the last 50 years?
- A) Less than 1%
- B) Approximately 2.3%
- C) More than 5%
- D) Constant
- What percentage of greenhouse gas emissions is attributed to the extraction and processing of material resources?
- A) Less than 20%
- B) Around 40%
- C) Over 70%
- D) Approximately 55%
- What proportion of land-related biodiversity loss and water stress is caused by the extraction and processing of agricultural crops and forestry products?
- A) 50%
- B) 75%
- C) 90%
- D) 25%
- How much could resource exploitation increase from 2020 levels by 2060, according to projections?
- A) Approximately 20%
- B) Over 60%
- C) Nearly 40%
- D) Almost 60%
- What was the main focus of the report “Global Resources Outlook 2024 – Bend the trend: Pathways to a Liveable Planet as Resource Use Spikes”?
- A) Urging for reductions in global population growth
- B) Advocating for increased industrial production
- C) Highlighting pathways to address resource consumption and its impacts
- D) Promoting consumerism and materialism