So far, it's a rich minority that has caused the major environmental problems we see. OECD countries in 2010 still accounted for about 75% of the world’s economic activity (and only 14% of population). They account for 80% of the cumulative emissions of CO2 since 1751. The world’s poorest countries, with a combined population of about 800 million, have contributed less than 1% of the cumulative emissions (Steffen et al.: 2011:746).
A general conclusion from a sustainability perspective is that it is not a population growth that is the biggest challenge of humans on Earth but the willingness of still poorer 86% of the world population to live as good as a rich minority. It is a rightful claim, and it is strongly supported by other statistics, which show very clear correlation of the wealth level with the happiness index. Money is not everything but somehow people with less money are not as happy as those who have more. There is however also a dark side of being wealthy. Excessive materialism and consumerism can lead to several negative consequences, both for individuals and society as a whole, which makes this universal ambition to grow wealthier a tricky balancing act.
I would like to add a dimension of resilience to complement this picture. I wonder what is the right balance between your possessions and the ability to stay happy, while still being able to cope with pressure? Picture this like a mountain hike. You need certain equipment in your backpack, there is a lot of things, which would be nice to have (e.g. portable espresso machine, which are available now for hikers) but every additional item in your backpack makes you more stretched.
So, what is the right size of the backpack, which will make you happy and at the same time able to get to your destination? The best hikers can make their backpacks efficient and functional, carrying only the essentials for their journey. Just at the right level to reach the next mountain. The same applies for the best companies with their balance sheets.
This philosophy resonates with the principles of minimalism, a significant cultural shift impacting consumption, sustainability, and well-being. Minimalism, as a lifestyle and philosophy, emphasizes living with less and finding value not in possessions but in experiences and relationships. By challenging the traditional consumerist mindset, which equates success with material accumulation, minimalism fosters resilience. It encourages a focus on efficiency and functionality, rather than sheer volume, in our 'backpacks' of life.
You can see relation of the Income per Capital to Sustainable Development Index and Happiness Score on the dynamic charts below.
Sources:
Steffen et al.: The Anthropocene: From Global Change to Planetary Stewardship. Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences 2011.
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