The energy/material intensity of global GDP has probably been falling because most of the GDP actually is generated by way of massive unaccounted debt piling up.
> energy/material intensity of global GDP has probably been falling because most of the GDP actually is generated by way of massive unaccounted debt piling up
Real energy intensity is falling. This is because of both increasing efficiency and [1] a greater fraction of demand being explained by immaterial factors [2].
In any case, leveraging an economy doesn't directly change its energy intensity. If it costs X kcal to produce $1 of goods, it doesn't matter if those goods were paid for with cash or credit.
Real energy intensity is falling. This is because of both increasing efficiency and [1] a greater fraction of demand being explained by immaterial factors [2].
In any case, leveraging an economy doesn't directly change its energy intensity. If it costs X kcal to produce $1 of goods, it doesn't matter if those goods were paid for with cash or credit.
[1] https://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/13149/1/MPRA_paper_13149.pdf
[2] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0140988382...