Short answer
Prioritize designs that minimize virgin material extraction and maximize material longevity and recyclability, given the accelerating global demand for resources.
- Field
- Resource Management
- Source
- Global Environmental Change (2018)
- Method
- Material flow accounting combined with dynamic stock-flow modelling.
- Evidence
- Strong effect
The global economy's material consumption has grown dramatically over the past century, with a notable acceleration in the last two decades, impacting resource availability and waste generation. This resource management research insight is drawn from a 2018 study published in Global Environmental Change. Using Material flow accounting combined with dynamic stock-flow modelling., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Prioritize designs that minimize virgin material extraction and maximize material longevity and recyclability, given the accelerating global demand for resources.
Global material extraction has increased 12-fold since 1900, accelerating significantly in the 21st century.
The global economy's material consumption has grown dramatically over the past century, with a notable acceleration in the last two decades, impacting resource availability and waste generation.
Global Environmental Change · 2018
Key Findings
- 01Global material extraction grew by a factor of 12, reaching 89 Gt/yr in 2015.
- 02A shift towards stock-building materials led to a massive increase in in-use material stocks to 961 Gt in 2015.
- 03Outflows of wastes and emissions reached 58 Gt/yr in 2015, with solid wastes and emissions comprising 35% and 25% respectively.
- 04A significant acceleration of global material flows was observed starting in 2002, continuing for over a decade.
- 05Between 2002 and 2015, global material extraction increased by 53%, despite the 2008 economic crisis.
Application
Design takeaway
Prioritize designs that minimize virgin material extraction and maximize material longevity and recyclability, given the accelerating global demand for resources.
How to apply
When selecting materials for a design project, research their origin, environmental impact of extraction, and end-of-life potential. Consider alternative materials or design strategies that reduce overall material dependency.
Project actions
- 01When choosing materials, think about where they come from and what happens to them when you're done.
- 02Consider how your design can use less material or materials that can be reused or recycled.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Provides a comprehensive, long-term perspective on global material flows.
- +Combines robust accounting methods with dynamic modelling for a holistic view.
Limitations
This is a global overview; specific material flows and impacts can vary greatly by region and industry.
Reliability & validity
The study relies on established material flow accounting and stock-flow modelling techniques, aiming for consistency and comprehensiveness. Validity is supported by the long time series and detailed breakdown of material types and flows.
Think critically
How might the observed acceleration in material flows influence the long-term viability of current linear economic models, and what design strategies could proactively address this challenge?
Design Principles
"Design for resource stewardship: minimize material throughput and maximize material value retention throughout the product lifecycle."
Understanding the scale and trajectory of global material flows is crucial for designing sustainable systems. This insight highlights the increasing pressure on natural resources and the growing challenge of managing waste and emissions, informing strategic decisions in product development and policy.
What This Means for Your Design
The world is using a lot more stuff than ever before, and it's using it faster, especially in the last 20 years. This means we're taking more from the Earth and creating more waste.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this study to justify the importance of resource efficiency and waste reduction in your design project's context and rationale.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
The global economy's socioeconomic metabolism has undergone a significant transformation, characterized by a 12-fold increase in material extraction since 1900 and a pronounced acceleration in material flows since 2002. This trend, driven by a shift towards material accumulation in stocks, underscores the critical need for design practices that prioritize resource efficiency, circularity, and waste minimization to mitigate environmental pressures.
Source
Global Environmental Change
From resource extraction to outflows of wastes and emissions: The socioeconomic metabolism of the global economy, 1900–2015
journal · 2018
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about global material extraction has increased 12-fold since 1900, accelerating significantly in the 21st century?
- Prioritize designs that minimize virgin material extraction and maximize material longevity and recyclability, given the accelerating global demand for resources. Evidence: Global Environmental Change (2018).
- Why does "Global material extraction has increased 12-fold since 1900, accelerating significantly in the 21st century." matter for design?
- Understanding the scale and trajectory of global material flows is crucial for designing sustainable systems. This insight highlights the increasing pressure on natural resources and the growing challenge of managing waste and emissions, informing strategic decisions in product development and policy.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Prioritize designs that minimize virgin material extraction and maximize material longevity and recyclability, given the accelerating global demand for resources.
- What were the main findings?
- Global material extraction grew by a factor of 12, reaching 89 Gt/yr in 2015.. A shift towards stock-building materials led to a massive increase in in-use material stocks to 961 Gt in 2015.. Outflows of wastes and emissions reached 58 Gt/yr in 2015, with solid wastes and emissions comprising 35% and 25% respectively.. A significant acceleration of global material flows was observed starting in 2002, continuing for over a decade.
- What research method was used?
- Material flow accounting combined with dynamic stock-flow modelling..
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2018 journal from Global Environmental Change.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When selecting materials for a design project, research their origin, environmental impact of extraction, and end-of-life potential. Consider alternative materials or design strategies that reduce overall material dependency.
- What are the limitations?
- The study provides a global aggregate view; regional or specific material type variations may exist. Future projections are based on specific assumptions about efficiency gains and convergence.