A Historical Trends scenario shows that the current trajectory of natural resource use and management is unsustainable, while a Towards Sustainability scenario shows that implementing resource efficiency and sustainable consumption and production policies promotes stronger economic growth, improves well-being, helps to support more equal distribution of income and reduces resource use across countries.

This report adopts a multi-sector, multi-stakeholder, multi-circularity issues and multi-impacts perspective on historical and prospective resource use trends. As such, it offers a good starting point for public authorities in the Mapping and Designing stages of CSS. While the earlier chapters of this report established the history of resource use trends (especially in terms of materials, land and water use), chapters four and five may be the most relevant for designers of CSS. These chapters offer alternative policy suggestions and pathways for a more sustainable future wherein circular approaches are integrated into policies addressing resource use and efficiency. What distinguishes this report from others is its focus on the interconnectedness of resource use with sustainable development goals and other social issues such as social and economic wellbeing.