Intensifying existing resource use
- Increasing materials intensity
- Improving efficiency of resource use
Description
Intensifying existing resource use involves maximizing the productivity and efficiency of current assets—such as land, water, energy, or infrastructure—through improved management, technology, and practices. This strategy aims to meet growing demands and reduce waste without expanding resource extraction or consumption. By optimizing utilization, it addresses shortages, environmental degradation, and economic constraints, providing practical remedies to resource scarcity and sustainability challenges while minimizing the need for new resource development.
Implementation
This strategy features in the framework of Agenda 21 as formulated at UNCED (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), now coordinated by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and implemented through national and local authorities.
Claim
Economic activity is closely tied to consumption of materials. Cutting back on one can only be accomplished by cutting back on the other. However, many other opportunities exist for increasing the productivity of materials and energy use without sacrificing real human welfare.
Broader
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Facilitates
Facilitated by
Related
Problem
Value
SDG
Metadata
Database
Global strategies
Type
(C) Cross-sectoral strategies
Subject
- Fundamental sciences » Material
- Cybernetics » Cybernetics
- Economics » Resource utilization
- Development » Reform
Content quality
Yet to rate
Language
English
1A4N
J0834
DOCID
12008340
D7NID
197848
Editing link
Official link
Last update
Dec 3, 2024