Megatrend

A Megatrend is a long-term driving force that is observable now and will continue to have a global impact in years to come

Population growth, industrialisation and urbanisation are driving a rising demand for food, water, energy and land, resulting in the scarcity and increased cost of natural resources. Humanity’s well-being depends on healthy ecosystems that provide vital benefits, such as freshwater, pollination, climate regulation and hazard protection. Mineral resources - essential for industry, construction, and technology - are also in high demand. However, their limited availability, combined with geopolitical and environmental challenges related to their extraction, raises concern about future supply. 

Humanity has reached a point where the limited resources on earth no longer meet growing demand. Planetary boundaries have been exceeded, threatening long-term human survival. Addressing resource scarcity requires effective resource management, sustainable practices and innovation. Ecosystem management and decreasing consumption in rich countries is urgently needed. Initiatives will have to ensure intergenerational fairness and global equity. The need to maintain a good quality of life and achieve a sustainable and just society in the face of the increasing pressure on resources is leading to calls for ‘sufficiency’ (having just enough to maintain a reasonable quality of life).

This Megatrend is part of the Megatrends Hub