Abstract
Target 8.4 focuses on resource efficiency and the importance of decoupling economic growth from environmental degradation. It is important because of the intertemporal tradeoffs embedded in SDG 8, where economic growth and decent work today must not come at the expense of future generations. This point is at the core of the concept of sustainable development but is one that is often missed by technocrats and politicians who typically focus on short-term socioeconomic performance. We discuss the challenges and complexities of achieving resource efficiency in consumption and production.
Increased resource efficiency in important sectors like renewable electricity and electric mobility is an encouraging sign of technological change. However, efficiency gains are not guaranteed in all sectors. This chapter highlights the urgent need for increased and targeted resource efficiency to tackle environmental problems but also concludes that technical progress may not suffice, so we will also need other policies to achieve sustainable development.
