Global Resource Use and Economic Development: 1900-2010

What is it about?

This paper analyses the long-term evolution of global energy and material flows and stocks from 1900 to 2010. The study tracks resource use along the full transformation chain - from resource extraction (primary exergy) to end uses (useful exergy) - and integrates energy flows, material production, and stocks such as buildings and infrastructure in a single thermodynamic metric. Over the period studied, global primary exergy consumption increased from 115 to 903 EJ per year, while useful exergy increased from 9 to 148 EJ per year, reflecting the large growth in resource use accompanying economic development.

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Photo by ben o'bro on Unsplash

Photo by ben o'bro on Unsplash

Why is it important?

The results show that primary-to-useful exergy efficiency doubled from about 8% in 1900 to 16% in 2010, while the amount of resource use required per unit of economic activity declined, indicating relative decoupling between resource flows and economic output. At the same time, the total exergy embodied in material stocks increased strongly highlighting the growing role of infrastructure and material goods in modern economies. By integrating energy and materials in a single framework, the study provides a consistent way to analyse how resource use, efficiency, and economic development have evolved over the long run.