Nairobi, March 1, 2024 –The extraction of the earth's natural resources has tripled over the past 50 years, linked to large-scale infrastructure construction around the world and high levels of material consumption, especially in upper middle-income and high-income countries. . Material extraction is expected to increase by 60 percent by 2060, impacting global climate, biodiversity and pollution targets as well as economic prosperity and humankind, according to a report released today by the United Nations Environment Program. Efforts to achieve happiness may be derailed (UNEP-sponsored International Resource Panel).
The Global Resources Outlook 2024, produced by the International Resource Panel with authors from around the world and announced during the sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly, enables humanity to live within its means and calls for fundamental policy changes to reduce the increase in He will reduce usage by a third while growing the economy, improving welfare and minimizing environmental impact.
The report shows that since 1970, resource use has increased from 30 billion tonnes to 106 billion tonnes, with an average of 23 to 39 kilograms of materials used per person per day, dramatically impacting the environment. It is clear that Overall, resource extraction and processing account for more than 60% of global warming emissions and 40% of the health-related impacts of air pollution.
The extraction and processing of biomass (such as crops and forestry) accounts for 90 percent of land-related biodiversity loss and water stress, and one-third of greenhouse gas emissions. Similarly, the extraction and processing of fossil fuels, metals, and non-metallic minerals (such as sand, gravel, and clay) together account for 35 percent of global emissions.
“The global triple crisis of climate change, nature loss and pollution stems from the crisis of unsustainable consumption and production. We must work with nature, not just exploit it. ” said UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen. “Reducing the resource intensity of our mobility, housing, food and energy systems is the only way we can meet the Sustainable Development Goals and ultimately achieve a fair and livable planet for all.”
Fundamental inequalities lie at the heart of global resource use: Low-income countries consume one-sixth the goods and have one-tenth the climate impact of people living in high-income countries. Upper middle-income countries have more than doubled their resource use over the past 50 years due to the development of their own infrastructure and the transfer of resource-intensive processes from high-income countries. At the same time, per capita resource use and associated environmental impacts in low-income countries remain relatively low, with little change since 1995.
Where consumption levels are very highBy focusing on lowering the level of consumption of resources and materials, to complement actions on production and resource efficiency, we can grow the global economy, improve lives and, while remaining within the boundaries of the planet, meet historical trends. This can reduce global resource usage by approximately 30% compared to the previous year.
When you need to increase resource usage, strategies can be introduced to maximize the value of each unit of resources used and meet human needs in a non-resource intensive manner. As a result, the benefits of resource use far outweigh the rate of extraction, resulting in sustained environmental and health impacts. In line with international obligations on climate, biodiversity and sustainability.
Incorporating environmental externalities into trade agreements, tightening the regulation of financial product markets, and introducing impactful border adjustment policies are just some of the ways this can be done. Countries can prevent a race to the bottom on environmental and social standards for resource extraction Maximize and preserve the value derived from domestic extraction processes.
“We must refuse to accept that meeting human needs requires massive consumption of resources and stop stimulating economic success based on extraction. Decisive action by politicians and the private sector is essential. “This will enable everyone to live a decent life without putting a strain on the planet,” said Janez Potočnik, co-chair of the International Resource Panel.
“Last year's climate conference agreed to transition away from fossil fuels. Now is the time to bring everyone to the table to phase in solutions that will make that possible. It is time to step-up resource-based solutions for diversity, equity, and ensure that everyone, everywhere, can live with dignity,” said Isabella Teixeira, co-chair of the International Resource Panel.
Specific recommendations include:
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Institutionalizing resource governance and defining resource usage paths In particular, consideration of sustainable resource use in strategies for implementing multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) and improving countries' capacity to benchmark and set targets for resource consumption and productivity. Directing funds towards sustainable resource use By reflecting the true cost of resources in the economic structure (i.e. subsidies, regulations, taxes, nudges, infrastructure, planning). Additional recommendations include channeling private finance towards sustainable resource use and integrating resource-related risks into the mandates of public and central banks.
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Mainstreaming sustainable consumption options It's about ensuring that consumers have the right information and are able to access and purchase sustainable products and services. Such measures should be combined with regulations to curb or ban resource-intensive options (such as non-essential single-use plastic products).
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Making trade a driving force for sustainable resource use By creating a level playing field where the true environmental and social costs of goods are reflected in prices, for example by introducing MEAs into trade agreements.
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Create circular, resource-efficient, and low-impact solutions and business modelsThis includes disposal, reduction, ecodesign, reuse, repair and recycling, as well as supporting regulation and evaluation of existing systems.
implement together , these policies can transform the built environment, mobility, food and energy systems, resulting in a surge in renewable energy and energy efficiency, decarbonization of materials production, better public transport and remote working. A more walkable, bikeable city with opportunity. Reduce food loss and waste. High-income and upper-middle-income countries are seeing a shift in diets away from animal protein and more compact cities, while low-income economies are seeing increased use of resources to enable dignified lives. will be seen.
These systemic changes are projected to peak resource extraction by 2040, after which usage will decline to just 20 percent above 2020 levels by 2060. Greenhouse gas emissions will fall by more than 80%, inventories of transportation-related and building materials will fall by 50% and 25%, respectively, and land use for agriculture will fall by 5%. At the same time, if food production increases by 40 percent to support the population, and there is growth and food security, the world economy will grow by 3 percent, the human development index will improve by 7 percent, and incomes and health will improve. -There is.
Given the many unfulfilled policy commitments in the MEA to date and the urgency of the triple planetary crisis, the report supports immediate action in accordance with the principle of 'best available science'. ing.
Note to editor
About the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP)
UNEP is the world's leading voice on the environment. Demonstrate leadership in environmental stewardship by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and peoples to improve the quality of life without compromising the quality of life of future generations. Encourage partnerships.
About the International Resource Panel (IRP)
The IRP was launched in 2007 by UNEP to establish a science-policy interface on the sustainable use of natural resources, particularly their environmental impacts throughout their lifecycle. This panel is comprised of eminent scientists with expertise in resource management issues. We study important questions about global resource use and produce assessment reports that distill the latest scientific, technological, and socio-economic knowledge to inform decision-making.
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