Introduction to Resource Efficiency

This lecture explores the concept of resource efficiency, emphasizing the importance of using resources more effectively to achieve economic growth while reducing environmental impacts. It discusses decoupling resource use from economic growth, the environmental Kuznets curve, and empirical evidence on decoupling. The instructor presents case studies on Switzerland's efforts to reduce CO2 emissions, increase environmental protection spending, and improve water consumption efficiency. The lecture concludes by examining the implications of the environmental Kuznets curve for global development and the need to address inequality and pollution.