PDF Summary:More from Less, by Andrew McAfee

Our modern, capitalist society leads many to believe that economic and population growth inevitably deplete the Earth's finite resources. In More From Less, Andrew McAfee makes a counterintuitive argument: Through the combination of capitalism's drive for efficiency and rapid technological innovation, we have become better at decoupling economic growth from environmental degradation.

McAfee examines the evidence for increasing resource efficiency, pollution reduction, and conservation in wealthy nations. He argues this progress stems from dematerialization—the ability to satisfy human needs with fewer physical resources, fueled by capitalist competition and the digital age's advancements.

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Economic Concentration, Inequality, and Declining Resource Use in Wealthy Countries

McAfee explores the tension between the immense benefits of capitalism and technological advancement, and their tendency to consolidate economic activity and exacerbate inequality. This chapter dissects the complex relationship between capitalism, technological advancements, and dematerialization, examining both the positive and negative consequences of economic concentration in wealthy countries.

New Technologies Intensify Economic Centralization, Increasing Inequality

McAfee acknowledges that new technologies, particularly those driving this current era, fail to act as a rising tide that lifts all boats equally. Instead, they have intensified economic concentration, leading to greater productivity and prosperity in fewer companies and regions, while simultaneously exacerbating income and wealth inequality.

He cites the decline in the number of farms and factories in America, despite a surge in agricultural and manufacturing output, as evidence of this trend. He points to the rise of "superstar" companies like Amazon, Alphabet, and Microsoft, which capture a disproportionate share of market value and earnings, while numerous other firms struggle to keep up. McAfee argues that this concentration, driven by the challenges companies face in effectively incorporating and leveraging advanced technologies, is a structural consequence of rapid technological progress, rather than a failure of capitalist competition.

Centralized Output by Productive Companies Boosts Resource Dematerialization Efficiency

Paradoxically, McAfee argues that when economic activity becomes concentrated in fewer, more productive companies, it benefits dematerialization. He contends that "leading" firms, with their greater resources and ability to invest in cutting-edge technologies, often manage materials more efficiently and are better equipped to implement sustainable practices. The ability of companies to continually become more economical with their use of metal, as McAfee puts it, has driven decoupling between economic growth and metal consumption.

As a result, the growing centralization of production in these efficient companies actually contributes to an unpolluted environment and a reduced planetary footprint. He offers the example of American agriculture, where larger farms have consistently demonstrated greater resource efficiency and higher yields compared to less extensive farms. McAfee further highlights the service sector's significance, which currently holds the dominant position in developed economies and is inherently less resource-intensive than manufacturing or agriculture. While service jobs require people to be in physical proximity to one another, they do not require vast amounts of material resources, thereby promoting the shift toward dematerialization.

Context

• Larger companies can achieve economies of scale, meaning they can produce goods more efficiently and at a lower cost per unit. This efficiency often leads to less waste and more sustainable use of resources.
• They can attract top talent in sustainability and engineering, who can drive innovative solutions for efficient material management.
• Decoupling refers to the ability of an economy to grow without a corresponding increase in environmental pressure. In this context, it means that economic growth can occur without a proportional increase in metal consumption, which is significant for sustainability.
• Many large companies have CSR initiatives that focus on sustainability, which can lead to more environmentally friendly practices and a reduced planetary footprint.
• Large-scale farms are more likely to engage in or benefit from research and development initiatives, leading to innovations that improve crop yields and resource management.
• The service sector generally produces fewer emissions and waste, as it does not involve large-scale extraction or processing of natural resources.
• Service jobs typically involve activities like education, healthcare, finance, and entertainment, which rely more on human skills and digital tools rather than physical goods. This contrasts with manufacturing, which requires raw materials and energy to produce tangible products.

Concentrated Economic Gains Fuel Growing Disparities, Threatening Social Cohesion

McAfee recognizes that the consolidation of financial gains among fewer people poses significant social and political challenges. He draws on a range of research, including the iconic “Elephant Graph,” which illustrates the stark disparity in income growth between the world's richest, those in poverty globally, and the middle class of wealthy countries. The latter group, which once enjoyed a consistent increase in living standards during the post-war decades, has seen their income growth stagnate in recent years, while the rest of the globe has experienced a massive surge in prosperity.

This divergence, he argues, is fostering rising feelings of resentment, isolation, and perceptions of injustice in these communities, fueling political polarization, eroding communal trust, and a growing appetite for authoritarian leadership. He cites research by sociologists like Arlie Hochschild and Kathy Cramer to demonstrate the depth of alienation and anger among these groups. McAfee cautions that this growing disconnection, exacerbated by the rapid pace of technological advancements and economic concentration, poses a serious threat to the social fabric of advanced capitalist societies, undermining the very foundations of trust and cooperation. He urges proactive measures to address these challenges and bridge the widening divide.

Practical Tips

• Start a savings circle with friends or community members to encourage mutual financial support and investment. Each month, members contribute an agreed-upon amount to the pool, and one member receives the lump sum to invest in their personal growth or business venture. This not only fosters community but also helps to redistribute wealth within the group. Think of it as a micro-loan system where everyone eventually benefits.
• Engage in conscious consumerism by researching the companies behind the products you buy. Look for information on how they pay and treat their employees, especially in different regions of the world. By choosing to support businesses that contribute to reducing income disparity, you're using your purchasing power to influence positive change.
• Optimize your household budget using a zero-based budgeting app. To counteract stagnant income, ensure every dollar is working for you by planning your spending and savings meticulously. Apps like YNAB (You Need A Budget) or EveryDollar can help you allocate your income to various categories, ensuring you're not overspending and are saving efficiently.
• Start a side business that leverages global e-commerce platforms to sell products or services internationally. With the rise in global prosperity, there's an increased demand for diverse products. You could create an online store on platforms like Etsy or Shopify, offering unique goods that cater to international tastes or trends. For instance, if you're skilled at crafting handmade jewelry, you could market your creations to customers worldwide, not just in your local area.
• Engage in conversations with peers about income disparities in a non-confrontational setting, like a book club or discussion group. This can help you understand different perspectives and experiences regarding income growth, which may reduce feelings of isolation. For instance, create a monthly meetup where you and your friends share financial tips and discuss economic trends that affect your incomes.
• You can foster community trust by initiating a 'No-News Day' once a week, where you and your friends or family avoid discussing news and politics, focusing instead on personal stories or community-building activities. This practice can help reduce the impact of polarizing media on your immediate social circle and encourage connections based on shared experiences rather than divisive opinions.
• Volunteer with organizations that work to bridge social divides. By contributing your time to community service projects or dialogue initiatives, you can directly engage with groups experiencing alienation and anger. This hands-on approach allows you to witness and address the consequences of these emotions, fostering a more inclusive and understanding environment.
• Develop a personal "Tech Timeline" to become more aware of how technological advancements affect your daily life. Track the introduction of new devices or platforms you adopt and note any changes in your social or professional interactions. This self-awareness can lead to more mindful use of technology and a proactive approach to maintaining personal connections amidst rapid change.
• Volunteer for initiatives that promote economic literacy and empowerment. By dedicating time to teach financial skills at local schools or community centers, you contribute to raising awareness about economic systems and their impact on society. This empowers individuals to make informed decisions and potentially advocate for changes that benefit the social fabric.
• Create a 'Feedback Circle' with friends or colleagues where each person gives constructive feedback on others' projects or ideas. The key rule is to provide feedback that is honest yet supportive, aiming to build trust through genuine help and cooperation rather than competition.
• Create a personal "Proactivity Journal" to document daily actions taken to address personal challenges. This could include setting aside time each week to learn a new skill that could help in career advancement or volunteering for causes that are important to you. The act of writing down these actions helps to reinforce the habit of being proactive and can serve as a motivational tool to continue taking steps towards positive change.

Growing Disparity, Yet Better Quality of Life in Prosperous Countries

Despite the concern surrounding rising inequality, McAfee highlights a crucial point often overlooked: While the gap between the rich and the poor may be widening, the absolute conditions for the vast majority of people, globally, are improving at an unprecedented rate. This chapter will explore this seeming paradox, examining the evidence for both rising inequality and overall improvement in people’s circumstances.

Worldwide Gains in Nutrition, Water, Sanitation, Education, and Longevity

McAfee draws on the extensive data compiled by organizations such as the World Bank and Our World Through Data to showcase the remarkable progress humanity has made in various areas. He illustrates the dramatic decline in global poverty rates, the significant improvement in life expectancy, the expansion of access to sanitation and potable water, and the expansion of educational opportunities across the globe.

He emphasizes that this progress extends beyond wealthy countries, reaching globally, including the poorest areas. McAfee argues that this global convergence, driven by the spread of capitalism, technological progress, responsive government, and growing public awareness, is a testament to the effectiveness of our present path in enhancing humanity's condition.

Other Perspectives

• The decline in global poverty rates often masks regional disparities, with some areas experiencing much less progress than others.
• The improvement in life expectancy worldwide may not be sustainable in the face of emerging challenges such as climate change, antibiotic resistance, and potential future pandemics.
• Political instability and conflict can disrupt water and sanitation services, making access inconsistent and unreliable in certain regions.
• Access to education is not the same as completion of education; in many areas, high dropout rates persist due to economic, cultural, or social barriers.
• Rapid progress can sometimes lead to unintended consequences, such as environmental degradation or cultural disruption, which are not always adequately addressed.
• Technological progress has indeed improved lives, but it has also led to job displacement and a skills gap, potentially exacerbating social and economic divides.

Human Development Gains Show Compatibility Between Growth, Reduced Material Use, and Shared Prosperity

McAfee refutes the often-heard argument that environmental protection requires sacrificing human well-being, or that a growing economy is inherently incompatible with a healthy planet. He argues that the evidence indicates the opposite: flourishing economies and a healthy planet go hand in hand. As countries become wealthier, their citizens tend to demand an environment that's less polluted and improved living standards. They are better equipped to invest in technologies and measures that promote both economic development and environmental sustainability.

He points to the dematerialization observed in rich countries, where resource consumption has decoupled from economic growth, as evidence that technological progress and responsible governance can allow us to prosper without depleting the planet. He suggests that the same positive trends—reduced pollution, better healthcare, longer lifespans—once observed in wealthy nations are now being mirrored in rapidly developing countries. McAfee encourages doubling down on promoting economic expansion in poorer nations, arguing that this will ultimately lead to a cleaner, healthier, and more thriving world.

Context

• International cooperation and agreements, like the Paris Agreement, aim to balance economic development with environmental protection on a global scale.
• Increasing awareness and education about environmental issues can lead to more informed decision-making by individuals, businesses, and governments, supporting sustainable economic growth.
• Economic prosperity often brings cultural shifts towards valuing sustainability and conservation, influencing consumer behavior and policy-making.
• These countries often have governments that can afford to provide subsidies or tax incentives for adopting green technologies, making it financially easier for citizens to invest in them.
• In dematerialized economies, GDP can grow while the total material footprint remains stable or even decreases, indicating a decoupling of economic growth from resource use.
• This approach focuses on designing products for longevity, reusability, and recyclability, reducing waste and the need for new raw materials.
• Effective governance and policy-making in wealthier nations often prioritize environmental protection and public health, setting standards and regulations that drive positive trends.
• Economic growth can lead to greater social stability, which is conducive to long-term planning and investment in sustainable development initiatives.

Environmentalism Today vs. Surprising Improvements

McAfee revisits the concerns that dominated the contemporary environmental movement since its emergence during the sixties and contrasts them with the often unacknowledged improvements that have occurred since then. He examines the accuracy of apocalyptic predictions made during the era when Earth Day began and analyzes the effectiveness of proposed strategies for achieving sustainability. This section explores the divergence between prevailing environmental narratives and actual worldwide patterns.

1960s-70s Apocalyptic Warnings on Resource Depletion and Pollution Spurred Modern Environmental Movement

McAfee acknowledges that today's ecological activism emerged from a genuine concern over the increasingly visible ecological damage caused by unchecked industrial growth and rising populations. He cites works such as Paul Ehrlich’s "The Population Bomb" and Donella Meadows’s book, "The Limits to Growth," which painted a grim picture of an inevitable Malthusian collapse due to resource depletion, pollution, and overpopulation. While these predictions have not materialized, they did contribute to making people aware of the potentially disastrous consequences of human activities on the planet, which, in turn, spurred a global movement advocating for change.

Paul Ehrlich Predicted Catastrophe if Trends Continued

In "The Population Bomb," Ehrlich forecasted mass starvation, resource conflicts, and a disastrous drop in living standards, asserting that Earth couldn't support a rapidly growing population. His pessimistic forecasts resonated with many, particularly in the backdrop of widespread pollution, recurring oil crises, and the growing human population. While Ehrlich's doomsday scenario has not come to pass, his work and the ensuing Simon-Ehrlich wager sparked a critical reassessment of humanity’s relationship with the Earth.

Practical Tips

• You can reduce your ecological footprint by adopting a plant-based diet a few days a week. Eating less meat and more plant-based foods can decrease the demand for resources that are intensive to produce, such as beef and pork. For example, try Meatless Mondays or Vegan Before 6 pm to incorporate more vegetables, grains, and legumes into your meals.
• Develop a habit of reflective journaling to explore why certain ideas resonate with you. Each day, write down one idea that resonated with you and elaborate on why it did so. This practice can enhance your self-awareness and could eventually help you communicate more effectively with others by understanding the elements that make a message impactful.
• Create a personal 'Resource Diary' to track your consumption of water, electricity, and other resources for a month. By monitoring your usage patterns, you can identify areas for improvement and set specific goals to reduce consumption, such as shorter showers or turning off lights when not in use.
• Enhance your adaptability to unforeseen changes by engaging in scenario planning for your personal life. Identify a few potential major life events or changes in the world, then map out how you would adapt to each scenario. For instance, consider how you would adjust your career path if your industry underwent a significant transformation, or plan how you would maintain your lifestyle if economic conditions shifted dramatically.
• Create a personal "prediction journal" where you regularly record your predictions about various aspects of your life, such as work projects, personal goals, or social events. Set a review date for each prediction to assess the accuracy of your foresight. This practice will help you refine your ability to anticipate outcomes and learn from your miscalculations.

Wealthy Countries Use Capitalism and Technology to Decouple Growth From Resources and Environmental Harm

McAfee argues that the very forces that Ehrlich and many other environmentalists considered the root of the problem—market systems and technological advancement—have, instead, become instrumental in decoupling economic growth from resource use and environmental damage. He cites the dematerialization trend observed in the U.S. and other wealthy nations as a testament to the power of these driving forces.

He explains that the fear that greater efficiency results in increased resource use, a concept called the rebound phenomenon, is ultimately outweighed by technological innovation. As we progress into the Second Machine Age, characterized by digital technologies, we're discovering new, cost-effective methods of fulfilling our needs while consuming fewer physical resources. This innovation, motivated by seeking profits in competitive markets, is generating a dematerialized world where economic growth and resource use are no longer inextricably linked.

Practical Tips

• Engage in a "swap challenge" with friends or family to promote the sharing economy. Instead of buying new items, organize a monthly swap where you exchange goods like books, clothes, or tools. This encourages reusing and recycling, reducing the need for new resources and minimizing waste, aligning with the idea of economic activity that doesn't increase resource use.
• Opt for a car-sharing service instead of owning a vehicle to leverage technological advancements while minimizing resource use. By using a car-sharing app, you can access a car only when you need it, which reduces the need for manufacturing new vehicles and the resources they consume. This approach allows you to benefit from the latest automotive technologies without contributing to the rebound effect of increased personal vehicle ownership.
• Participate in a local tool library or sharing economy platform to access tools and equipment without owning them. Look for community-driven services where you can borrow items like power drills, ladders, or gardening equipment as needed. This approach allows you to complete tasks and projects using high-quality resources without the cost and space required to own and maintain them.

Numerous Ecological Indicators Improved Despite Economic and Demographic Growth

McAfee challenges the prevailing narrative that a healthy environment requires sacrificing economic growth or that increasing prosperity inevitably harms the planet. He argues that the evidence indicates the opposite: many environmental indicators, particularly in wealthier countries, have improved despite continued economic and population growth. This section explores the evidence of this positive decoupling, challenging the doom and gloom pronouncements that have often dominated the environmental discourse.

Resource Reduction in Wealthy Countries Through Dematerialization and Reforestation

McAfee draws on comprehensive data collected by organizations like the United States Geological Survey to demonstrate that, year after year, America tends to decrease its use of the majority of natural resources, despite its growing economy and population. He showcases a series of persuasive graphs illustrating the absolute decline in the consumption of various materials, including metals, fertilizer, timber, paper, and even energy. He claims that reduced material use is a direct consequence of technological innovation and the relentless pursuit of efficiency in capitalist markets. Companies, motivated by cost reduction, are constantly seeking methods to cut, substitute, enhance, and eliminate their resource dependence, minimizing their impact on the planet.

Practical Tips

• This community approach not only saves space and money but also fosters a culture of sharing and sustainability, as items are used more efficiently across multiple households.
• Opt for refurbished or recycled metal products when shopping for home goods or electronics. By choosing items that reuse metals, you're contributing to the reduction of metal consumption. Look for certified refurbished electronics or furniture made from recycled metal, which can be both cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
• Opt for a minimalist lifestyle by regularly assessing your possessions and eliminating redundancy. Start by identifying items you haven't used in the past year and consider selling, donating, or recycling them. This practice not only declutters your space but also reduces demand for new products, indirectly supporting the efficient use of materials.
• You can analyze your monthly expenses to identify non-essential services that can be replaced with more cost-effective alternatives. For instance, if you're subscribed to multiple streaming services, consider which ones you use the least and cancel them, or switch to a shared family plan to split the cost with friends or family.
• Start using search engines that plant trees with their ad revenue. By simply switching your default search engine to one that supports reforestation, your everyday internet searches can lead to tree planting, turning a routine activity into an environmental benefit.
• You can embrace digital subscriptions to reduce physical clutter and resource use. Instead of buying physical copies of magazines, books, or newspapers, opt for their digital versions. This not only saves space in your home but also contributes to saving paper and reducing waste. For example, use apps like Kindle for books or Flipboard for magazines, which provide a wide range of reading material in digital form.

Pollution Drops as Rich Nations Respond to Citizens' Demands

McAfee acknowledges the significant environmental damage caused by industrial contaminants historically. However, he emphasizes that the public outcry against pollution, coupled with responsive government interventions, has led to dramatic reductions in air and water pollution levels in wealthy countries. He cites the success of environmental regulations like the cap-and-trade programs and the Clean Air Act, emphasizing that by monetizing pollution, these policies incentivize companies to clean up their acts.

Additionally, McAfee highlights how consumer pressure drives corporate responsibility. As the public becomes more conscious of environmental issues, companies are increasingly feeling pressure to adopt cleaner practices, not only out of ethical conviction but to safeguard their public image.

Practical Tips

• Create a DIY toxin-absorbing garden in your home or community space. Research and plant species known for their ability to absorb contaminants from the soil and air, like sunflowers for lead or spider plants for indoor air quality. This not only helps to remediate local environmental damage but also promotes biodiversity and green spaces.
• Create a map of your local area highlighting pollution hotspots and clean areas using a simple GPS tracking app during your walks or runs. Share this map with your community to raise awareness and organize small-scale cleanup initiatives, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility for the local environment.
• Advocate for local environmental policies by writing to your city council or participating in public comment periods. Even if you're not an expert, expressing support for local initiatives that mirror successful regulations can influence decision-makers. You might, for instance, advocate for the adoption of a local tree-planting program or support the implementation of green building codes in your community.
• You can support cleaner company practices by choosing products with eco-friendly packaging for your daily needs. When shopping, look for items with minimal packaging or those using recycled materials. This consumer behavior sends a message to companies that there's a demand for sustainable packaging, encouraging them to innovate in this area.
• Volunteer for a local environmental cleanup project and encourage others to join by emphasizing the dual benefits of community service and positive public perception. After the cleanup, share before-and-after pictures on community boards or social media to showcase the tangible difference made and the positive attention it garners, reinforcing the link between ethical actions and public image.

Conservation Helped Revive Endangered Species From Extinction

Despite the bleak picture painted by environmentalists about the impending extinction of species, McAfee presents a more optimistic view, outlining the successes of conservation efforts in saving several critically endangered species. He argues that the Endangered Species Act in the United States, along with a growing global movement towards establishing protected lands and restricting hunting and the exchange of endangered species, has played a significant role in safeguarding vulnerable populations.

McAfee cites the resurgence of bison populations across North America, the recovery of sea otters off the California coast, and the increasing populations of previously threatened creatures like beaver, Canadian geese, and deer with white tails as evidence of successful conservation. He stresses the powerful impact of combining public awareness with responsive government action, stating that this partnership is crucial for protecting biodiversity and reversing human-caused damage to ecosystems.

Other Perspectives

• The focus on a few charismatic or well-known species might divert attention and resources from less visible but equally endangered species that have not benefited from conservation efforts.
• The Act may inadvertently create a "moral hazard" where species are allowed to become endangered with the expectation that they can be recovered later, potentially leading to lax conservation practices in other areas.
• The resurgence of bison is largely limited to managed herds and does not necessarily indicate a return to their ecological role in the wild.
• The recovery of sea otters may have unintended consequences, such as the predation on certain shellfish populations, which can impact local fisheries and the balance of the marine ecosystem.
• The increase in these species' populations could be attributed to factors other than conservation efforts, such as changes in land use or natural population cycles.
• Responsive government action is often hindered by bureaucratic delays and political interests, which can impede timely and effective conservation measures.
• Some ecosystems may have reached a tipping point where human intervention cannot fully restore them to their original state, suggesting that conservation efforts should also focus on adaptation and resilience.