New study estimates that moderate additions to societies’ material stocks could achieve decent living standards globally
Around the world, billions of people still lack access to Decent Living Standards (DLS) — a proposal of universal minimum service levels required to meet essential human needs.
While research has examined the energy use and greenhouse gas emission implications of achieving universal DLS, little is known about the necessary expansion of societies’ material stocks in buildings, infrastructure and machinery.
Our new study finds that closing global gaps in DLS would require only a modest 12% increase in existing material stocks.
If societies prioritize the expansion of material stocks for DLS, this goal could be achievable by 2030 at current construction rates. However, if past trends of unequal stock growth — driven by demands beyond DLS – persist, global resource demands could increase tenfold and threaten climate and sustainability goals.
Key Insights:
• We distinguish currently existing material stocks in buildings, infrastructure and machinery into stocks providing DLS and those driving consumption beyond these levels.
• To achieve DLS swiftly while curbing resource use, it is crucial to prioritize stock expansion for closing DLS gaps, and to critically assess stock growth beyond DLS, particularly in affluent regions.