The Myth of Decoupling

Decoupling compares resource use to

economic growth.

• Relative decoupling means resource use may increase, however, at

a slower rate than economic growth.

• Absolute decoupling is achieved when resource use declines over

time while the economy grows.

2

To keep economic activity within

ecological limits, we must achieve

absolute decoupling.

• There is some limited evidence of relative decoupling occurring

thanks to efficiency gains over the last three decades.

– This means that economic growth has outpaced efficiency

improvements, and there has been growth in resource use overall.

• There is little to no evidence of absolute decoupling.

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