The (possible) limits to growth fifty-three years later. A study carried out with the help of the AI
The current world GPD growth per year of 1.5-1% is not sustainable in the medium term because the energy available vs demand, even with contribution of renewable sources, fission wind and, later, fusion and taking into account the consumption of strategic metals including recycling. A shortfall is foreseen around 2047.The major short- and medium-term consequences would be the economic collapse and stagnation, crisis of energy-intensive sectors, rising inflation, social unrest and riots, increased poverty, government fragility, international tensions and conflicts for energy and resources, global decline in living standards. Possible measures adopted by Governments would be: energy rationing and control, strong incentives for renewable energy sources, international collaboration, resource sharing, maximize energy saving and efficiency, acceleration developments of fusion energy plants. If, by then, or, better, before then, the GPD annual growth in advanced countries is progressively reduced to 0.3 % the energy system can meet demand through 2100 and beyond (with continued expansion of renewables, nuclear, and the introduction of fusion). This transition may face challenges like short-term disruptions or inequality, but it can lead to a society better aligned with ecological limits and human needs. A higher GPD growth of 0.5% would create an energy gap starting around 2080, requiring accelerated deployment of advanced low-carbon sources (fusion or large-scale nuclear) along with demand-side efficiency and storage technologies. The reduction of GDP growths in the 0.3-0.5 range can act as a driver for transforming economic models, encouraging focus on sustainability, essential services, and social equity. The key is how societies manage the transition, invest in social infrastructure, innovation, and ensure fairness
Institutions
- AARP (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
- Published
- 2025-07-25
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16413823
- Primary Topic
- Global Energy and Sustainability Research
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00