Increases In Economic Efficiency

We are using more resources than the planet can replace in a year, but we’re not as wasteful as we were. Since 1990 the energy intensity, the amount of energy required to generate a unit of GDP, has decreased 30% and continues to decrease. Since 1990, businesses are finding it profitable to waste less. Consumers are more aware and acting accordingly, relatively. Our machines are becoming more efficient, and some goods are being replaced by services. Energy is also improving as renewable energy has become competitive and more convenient. The total resources continue to climb because population and standard of living continues to climb; but if the efficiencies continue to improve we might be able to slow, halt, or even reverse society’s unsustainable effects.

(Click on the graph for the link.)

“Global Economy Becoming Less Energy Intense” – Climate Central