The rapid consumption of raw materials must be curbed to cut waste and carbon emissions, the United Nations and global think-tanks have urged, with resource consumption set to almost double by 2060, especially in developing economies. "We are using the planet's resources at a faster rate than they can be replenished, while polluting our seas, air and countryside with the waste from our consumption habits," head of U.N. Environment Erik Solheim said in a statement. Governments, cities and companies have been under increased pressure in recent years to cut down on waste, including plastic, and to reach ambitious climate goals.
In 2015, countries signing the Paris Agreement to curb global warming set a goal of limiting a rise in average world surface temperatures to "well below" 2C (3.6F) above pre-industrial times, while "pursuing efforts" to limit rising temperatures to 1.5C (2.7F).
Yet with two-thirds of people set to be living in cities by 2050, according to U.N. estimates, the use of raw materials is predicted to nearly double by 2060.
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