The Era of Insufficient Plenty

Abstract

This article discusses the problem of insufficiency, recognizing limitations, and responding to the challenges posed by diminishing natural resources. Most of the world’s increase in energy consumption has been driven by developing nations, such as China and India, as well as Eastern Europe and Eurasia. Under intense international pressure, China said it would not eliminate rare earth exports. Still, China has sent a clear signal to manufacturers of advanced magnets, motors, superconductors, and other products. If they want unrestricted access to rare earth elements, they must move their factories and make their products in China. Armin Reller, a materials scientist at Germany’s University of Augsburg who has studied mineral reserves, estimated in 2007 that we are on track to run out of hafnium by 2017. Experts suggest that to solve the problems of insufficiency, the current generation needs to start thinking differently. The article concludes that the United States will need outstanding science and great engineering to resolve those potential shortfalls; however, they can no longer act in a vacuum.