Developing resource efficient methods and technologies

Global resource consumption is unsustainable, particularly in upper-income countries which consume the vast share of resources. The rapidly increasing global population will only increase the current unsustainable demands on resources. This global state of affairs cannot remain status-quo, whilst it may be assumed that rich countries would prefer not to compromise their standards of living. Resource-efficient methods and technologies can facilitate and may ensure sustainable resource use with maintained standards of living.

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.