Check against delivery
My thanks to the members of the press for covering the launch of the 2024 edition of the Global Resources Outlook and, of course, the sixth United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6).
This Assembly is considering a set of resolutions that span the triple planetary crisis: the crisis of climate change, the crisis of nature and biodiversity loss, and the crisis of pollution and waste. Several of the resolutions place a strong focus on how to start using the resources our planet provides us sustainably and responsibly. This is an item at the top of our must-do list of environmental action.
Our economies have for too long been built on relentless and senseless extraction, use and dumping of resources. Material and resource use has risen by more than three times over the last 50 years and continues to grow by an average 2.3 per cent each year. Our wasteful use of these materials destroys nature, warms the climate, pollutes ecosystems, feeds inequalities, and, quite frankly, flushes money straight down the toilet.
This breakthrough report from the UNEP-convened International Resource Panel shows that it is possible, and profitable, to decouple economic growth from resource use and the environmental impacts they cause. To be clear, we are not just talking about recycling here. We are talking about replacing the prevailing linear growth model with sustainable and circular models: systems that keep materials, once extracted, in use for as long as possible by rethinking how we design and deliver goods and services. Circularity and more sustainable and resource-smart ways of provisioning basic services are needed in the areas of housing, food and mobility, among others. If we do this, we can create new business models, reduce environmental impacts and slash resource use in wealthier countries. This will create space for growth where it is most needed, contributing to ending poverty and reducing profound inequalities.
If the world follows the policies and shifts outlined in this report, we would see serious benefits, and not just for the environment. Growth in material use could fall by 30 per cent. We could lower energy and material demand, which would help ensure enough minerals and metals for the energy transition without ravaging the Earth – a goal that is the topic of a resolution at this Assembly. Greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced by more than 80 per cent. We could have a global GDP three per cent larger than predicted. We could have a fairer world with a more equitable distribution of this wealth.
The bottom line is that the triple planetary crisis is driven by unsustainable consumption and production. We must work with nature, instead of merely exploiting it. Reducing the resource intensity of mobility, housing, food and energy systems is essential to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, and ultimately a just and liveable planet for all. The Global Resources Outlook tells us what those actions to take to achieve this goal. We should follow them, starting with passing strong resolutions at this Assembly around circularity and responsible extraction and use of metals and minerals.
