The depletion of natural resources poses a growing threat to the global economy and the stability of ecosystems. Here is a three-part summary with figures and sources.
1. Current and future cost of natural resource depletion (business-as-usual scenario)
• Global overconsumption: In 2024, humanity consumed the equivalent of 1.7 planets to meet its natural resource needs. Earth Overshoot Day was reached on 1 August 2024, indicating that human demand exceeds the Earth’s capacity for regeneration.
• Global economic cost: According to the WWF’s ‘Global Futures’ report, if no action is taken to halt the loss of nature, it could cost at least £479 billion per year globally, or nearly £10 trillion by 2050.
• Depletion of critical resources: Mining companies are concerned about the depletion of critical metals essential to the energy transition, such as copper. The projected demand for copper is more than 40 million tonnes per year by 2050, requiring the opening of 40 new mines, compared to only 14 created in the last ten years.
2. Possible solutions, associated costs and expected benefits
a) Circular economy
• Reducing the carbon footprint: Adopting a circular economy, which includes eco-design, repair, reuse and recycling, could reduce France’s national carbon footprint by 45% and create 1.1 million jobs.
b) Energy transition
• Renewable energies: The use of inexhaustible and clean energy sources, such as solar, wind and tidal energy, is essential to reduce dependence on non-renewable resources.
c) Sustainable resource management
• Responsible practices: Sustainable management of natural resources involves adopting practices such as reducing consumption, using sustainable and repairable products, and promoting the circular economy.
3. Comparative summary: inaction vs action
| Aspect | Inaction (current scenario) | Ambitious action in favour of natural resources |
| Annual economic cost | Up to $479 billion per year by 2050 | Investments in the circular economy and renewable energies |
| Impact on resources | Depletion of critical resources, such as copper | Preservation of resources through sustainable practices |
| Job creation | Risk of job losses in resource-dependent sectors | Creation of 1.1 million jobs through the circular economy |
| Carbon footprint | Maintenance or increase in CO₂ emissions | 45% reduction in national carbon footprint |
The depletion of natural resources generates considerable economic costs and threatens the stability of ecosystems. However, solutions such as the circular economy, the transition to renewable energy and sustainable resource management offer significant opportunities to mitigate these impacts, while stimulating economic growth and job creation. It is imperative to act quickly to ensure a sustainable future.
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