Signal Rich countries' material footprint six times that of poor countries

Summary

Beyond cutting novel entity production to match real demand, the report argues that part of that demand can be reduced by addressing overconsumption in high-income countries. The material footprint of high-income countries is six times that of low-income countries. The report points out that this overconsumption shifts disproportionately large environmental burdens onto lower-income countries. The discussion starts from the concern that production of novel entities is growing faster than the population. The report holds that economic, political, social and technological factors can lock in production, releases and damage, which calls for early and decisive action. Curbing demand is presented as one response alongside reducing production and simplifying the range of substances.