The 20th century saw unprecedented growth in global consumption, reaching $24 trillion by 1998. However, this consumption growth has been unevenly distributed, leaving over a billion people deprived of basic needs. Consumption patterns are also straining the environment through pollution and resource depletion. If trends continue without changes to redistribute consumption more equitably and shift to more sustainable practices, human development will be undermined. Consumption must be shared more fairly to meet basic needs for all, strengthen human capabilities, be socially and environmentally responsible, and sustainable for future generations.
The 20th century saw unprecedented growth in global consumption, reaching $24 trillion by 1998. However, this consumption growth has been unevenly distributed, leaving over a billion people deprived of basic needs. Consumption patterns are also straining the environment through pollution and resource depletion. If trends continue without changes to redistribute consumption more equitably and shift to more sustainable practices, human development will be undermined. Consumption must be shared more fairly to meet basic needs for all, strengthen human capabilities, be socially and environmentally responsible, and sustainable for future generations.
1) The document discusses the opportunity for technology to improve organizational efficiency and transition economies into a "smart and clean world."
2) It argues that aggregate efficiency has stalled at around 22% for 30 years due to limitations of the Second Industrial Revolution, but that digitizing transport, energy, and communication through technologies like blockchain can help manage resources and increase efficiency.
3) Technologies like precision agriculture, cloud computing, robotics, and autonomous vehicles may allow for "dematerialization" and do more with fewer physical resources through effects like reduced waste and need for transportation/logistics infrastructure.
