Key learning points

1. High levels of consumption increase demand for natural resources.
2. Global trade increases the environmental footprint of consumption.
3. Richer countries consume more per person than poorer countries.
4. Waste from overconsumption contributes to pollution and emissions.
5. Fast fashion and electronics create growing environmental problems.

Keywords

• Overconsumption - when people use more resources than Earth can replace

• Fast fashion - the mass production and sale of cheaply made clothing that is not worn often and is quickly replaced

• Global trade - the exchange of goods, money and services between countries

• E-waste - electronic waste

• Natural resources - resources that come from Earth without human influence and can be used for human needs

Common misconception