Global socioeconomic material stocks rise 23-fold over the 20th century and require half of annual resource use

TLDR

Global in‑use material stocks, comprising buildings, infrastructure, machinery, and equipment, represent a large fraction of all extracted primary materials and drive long‑term demand, waste flows, and circular‑economy opportunities. The study aims to deepen understanding of the dynamics of these in‑use material stocks to support sustainable development. The authors estimate global in‑use material stocks and related flows for the 20th century, assess uncertainties, and analyze changes in stock‑flow relations.

Abstract

Significance A large part of all primary materials extracted globally accumulates in stocks of manufactured capital, including in buildings, infrastructure, machinery, and equipment. These in-use stocks of materials provide important services for society and the economy and drive long-term demand for materials and energy. Configuration and quantity of stocks determine future waste flows and recycling potential and are key to closing material loops and reducing waste and emissions in a circular economy. A better understanding of in-use material stocks and their dynamics is essential for sustainable development. We present a comprehensive estimate of global in-use material stocks and of related material flows, including a full assessment of uncertainties for the 20th century as we analyze changes in stock-flow relations.