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Satisfying human needs at low material footprints: An investigation on the role of provisioning systems

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  • Garnier, Félix

Abstract

To achieve social and environmental sustainability, humankind must balance satisfying human needs and preventing ecological collapse. The material footprint-the total materials required for production and consumption-plays a crucial role in this dynamic. This study uses data from 151 countries and a regression-based moderation approach to analyse how material footprints and human need satisfaction are influenced by socio-economic factors known as "provisioning factors."Countries with strong socioecological performance were characterized by factors such as democracy, rule of law, public health coverage, effective corruption control, access to electricity and clean fuels, trade and transport infrastructure, and urbanization. In contrast, weaker socio-ecological performance was often marked by extractivism and inequality. Improving provisioning systems could help countries reduce material use while enhancing need satisfaction. Yet, even under favorable conditions, the current economic system remains incompatible with socio-ecological sustainability, highlighting the need for more radical changes to meet human needs with minimal material consumption.

Suggested Citation

  • Garnier, Félix, 2025. "Satisfying human needs at low material footprints: An investigation on the role of provisioning systems," Working Paper Series 05/2025, Post-Growth Economics Network (PEN).
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:penwps:315198
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    material footprint; human needs; provisioning systems; sustainability;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C51 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Model Construction and Estimation
    • C53 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Forecasting and Prediction Models; Simulation Methods
    • Q56 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environment and Development; Environment and Trade; Sustainability; Environmental Accounts and Accounting; Environmental Equity; Population Growth
    • Q57 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Ecological Economics

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