DRIVING DEGROWTH

Developing countries, including fast-growing ones such as India and China, are not yet dematerializing. But in the not-too-distant future, they may start decreasing their consumption of some resources, just as high-income countries have. Much of the rich world is now using less natural resources each year. One factor driving dematerialization of developed and developing countries alike is technological progress. Another is competition among profit-seeking companies, which provides incentives for companies to save money on resources. Left: Bicycle riders battle smog in New Delhi, India. Right: A protest against governmental inaction, climate change and pollution in Hyderabad.