molekylandelen

Molekylandelen is a term that has emerged in discussions surrounding sustainable consumption and resource management. It refers to the theoretical concept of an individual's "fair share" of the planet's molecular resources, considering the needs of both current and future generations. This concept moves beyond monetary value to focus on the physical quantities of essential elements and compounds required for human well-being and societal function.

The idea behind molekylandelen suggests that if the total available planetary resources were divided equally among the global population, each person would have a certain "molecules budget." This budget would encompass the raw materials necessary for food production, shelter, energy, and manufactured goods. Analyzing consumption patterns through the lens of molekylandelen highlights disparities, revealing how some individuals and societies consume far beyond their equitable share, while others struggle with scarcity.

Proponents of the molekylandelen concept argue that it provides a more fundamental framework for understanding environmental limits than economic indicators alone. It encourages a shift in perspective from simply reducing economic footprints to actively minimizing the extraction and depletion of finite molecular stocks. Achieving a sustainable balance would necessitate significant changes in production and consumption, emphasizing circular economy principles, resource efficiency, and the development of alternative, less resource-intensive technologies.