In a new study published in the “Journal of Cleaner Production”, Empa researchers show that a good life is possible for more than ten billion people within planetary boundaries. Using a technical approach and the so-called donut model, they have calculated that humanity can live sustainably without sacrificing an adequate standard of living. Hauke Schlesier and Harald Desing from Empa’s “Technology and Society” laboratory and Malte Sch\u00e4fer from the Technical University of Braunschweig have demonstrated this potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The donut as a model for sustainability Using resources efficiently A balanced standard of living Narrow scope for sustainability Empa’s study provides powerful proof that sustainability and quality of life are compatible. It shows the way to an ecologically and socially just life for all people on our planet.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Sustainability and quality of life are not mutually exclusive. A recent study by Empa shows that an ecologically and socially just life is possible for over ten billion people. However, a fundamental change in our systems is required.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":105656,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"pmpro_default_level":"0","_surecart_dashboard_logo_width":"180px","_surecart_dashboard_show_logo":true,"_surecart_dashboard_navigation_orders":true,"_surecart_dashboard_navigation_invoices":true,"_surecart_dashboard_navigation_subscriptions":true,"_surecart_dashboard_navigation_downloads":true,"_surecart_dashboard_navigation_billing":true,"_surecart_dashboard_navigation_account":true,"inline_featured_image":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[22358,12476,22698],"tags":[48429,12575,48430,29142,12847,15669],"class_list":["post-105944","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-construction","category-immonews","category-sustainability","tag-donut-en","tag-forschung-en","tag-lebensstandart-en","tag-menschen-en","tag-nachhaltigkeit-en","tag-ressourcen-en","pmpro-has-access"],"acf":{"bild_mit_ki_erstellt_worden":[],"lead":"Sustainability and quality of life are not mutually exclusive. A recent study by Empa shows that an ecologically and socially just life is possible for over ten billion people. However, a fundamental change in our systems is required.","autor":"Quelle: EMPA","ort":"","bildunterschrift":"","zusammenfassung":"","bild_im_grid":false,"gallerie":"","newsim":""},"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t
<\/strong>The donut model, consisting of two concentric circles, serves as the basis for the study. The outer circle represents planetary boundaries such as biodiversity, climate and land use. The inner circle symbolises basic human needs. The space between the circles, the donut, represents the sustainable use of natural resources in order to achieve an adequate standard of living. This theoretical basis has now been empirically confirmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>The study shows that an ecological life is possible for more than ten billion people, but far-reaching changes are necessary. There is an urgent need for action, particularly in the energy system and in agriculture. The complete abandonment of fossil fuels and a switch to a plant-based diet are crucial. The sustainable use of phosphorus and nitrogen and the avoidance of land use changes are further key measures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>A key component of the transformation is the equalisation of living standards. While the global South would benefit from a significant increase in living standards, resource consumption in the global North would have to be reduced. This applies in particular to living space and individual mobility without compromising well-being. Public transport and healthcare could be expanded without significantly harming the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>The researchers emphasise that although the donut of sustainable living exists, it is very narrow. However, technological progress and the shift towards a circular economy offer potential for additional ecological leeway. “Our model is based on the current state of technology. Future innovations could expand the donut,” explains Schlesier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n