Supporting debottlenecking of global human processes by applying appropriate balances

Abstract

Global balances form a fundamental framework for evaluating processes. Human activities can be viewed as global processes aiming at generating drinking water, food, and energy as main products. Obviously, these global processes need debottlenecking, since global process environment is no longer capable of sustainably supporting them. Thus, balances are set up, which on one hand are easily understandable to ensure that everyone can comprehend the resulting consequences. On the other hand, these balances are evaluated to allow conclusions on boundary conditions for the debottlenecking. It turns out that even basic balances allow the formulation of significant conclusions, which are fundamental guidelines for future development. This development refers to research in science and technology that should be (further) strengthened as well as to implementation of existing technology. Moreover, very significant ethical questions become obvious. It is, e.g. not clear, if the challenges we are globally facing can be solved simply be applying and developing technology or if more fundamental changes in global society are essential to overcome problems during transition into a sustainable community. These changes address individual behavior concerning reproductive activities and nutritional habits. The reshaping of our economy would need closing the cycles for all essential material fluxes.