Decoupling natural resource use and environmental impacts from economic growth : a report of the working group on decoupling to the International Resource Panel

This report provides a solid foundation for the concept of decoupling, clearly defining key terms and providing empirical evidence of escalating resource use. It shows that decoupling is already taking place to some extent, but is lagging far behind its potential. The scenarios show that we are facing a historic choice about how we use resources and the report scopes the potential of innovation, rethinking economic growth and the role of cities in building more resource efficient economies. Four case studies at the country level show how policy makers are implementing decoupling strategies. The report focuses on material resources, namely fossil fuels, minerals, metals, and biomass.