Humanity can continue without ruining the Earth – study

A recent study suggests that humanity can balance consumption and sustainability to provide resources to all while maintaining the environment.

Many countries have been trying to protect the environment. However, others believe it’s impossible because it seemingly requires drastic changes to everyone’s lifestyles.

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It seemed like the modern way of life and a more eco-friendly approach cannot co-exist.

Fortunately, this study offers ideas on how the world can have both.

How can humanity balance sustainability and prosperity?

The latest research suggests that significant environmental gains are possible if the top 20% of consumers adopt more sustainable patterns.

The study emphasizes sectors like food and services.

For example, moderating meat consumption and carbon-intensive activities lets affluent consumers reduce their environmental impact by up to 53%.

The best part is these changes won’t diminish humanity’s quality of life.

Instead, people only need to adjust their consumption priorities according to the planet’s regenerative capacities.

Also, it focuses on “planetary boundary transgressions,” underscoring the role of high-expenditure lifestyles in pushing environmental limits. 

The research says the overconsumption of wealthy communities threatens global ecological stability directly.

This excess involves luxury goods, excessive travel and energy-intensive lifestyles.

Consequently, the researchers advocated for “sustainable consumption corridors” or policies that set consumption limits.

These policies will ensure that humanity uses resources within the planet’s capacity to regenerate.

For example, high-income individuals can drop their global environmental footprint by 19% to 35% if they lower their consumption to lower-income levels.

Another proposed solution involves taxes on luxury products and high-carbon services.

On the other hand, governments should encourage eco-friendly and efficient choices.

The authors say their findings do not urge a return to minimalist lifestyles.

Instead, they invite people worldwide to recalibrate their lifestyles.

“We shouldn’t focus so much on creating technical solutions,” Dr. Klaus Hubacek, Professor of Science at the University of Groningen and study co-author.

“There are already so many solutions which we don’t implement.”

Dr. Hubacek expressed concern over the lack of political will to tackle major environmental issues. 

“This worries me. And it causes real fear in the younger generation,” he continued.

“What we need are evidence-based policies.”