The Limits to Consumption

Sustainable consumption within planetary boundaries, considering global demand dynamics

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In this project we identify sustainable consumption patterns in a future, greenhouse gas-neutral world within the planetary boundaries. We contrast these sustainable consumption patterns with current global demand dynamics.

The greenhouse gas-neutral world is described in the scenario GreenSupreme, which was developed in the RESCUE-project. Eleven goods represent the different human needs such as housing, mobility, leisure and nutrition. We calculate four environmental impacts, which are relevant for the Concept of the Planetary Boundaries for these eleven goods in the year 2050, using prospecting life-cycle-assessment. With a consumption calculation tool, which is employed to scale the representative goods, we identify different future consumption patterns within the planetary boundaries. 

Furthermore, we analyse the demand for the eleven goods since 1990 on global and regional level as well as influencing factors such as income. We contrast the demand dynamics with the sustainable consumption pattern.

The final results will be presented at a conference to mark the 50th anniversary of the “Limits to Growth“ report.