Dematerialising consumption.

HUMAN Development Report 1998 (Book); POVERTY; CONSUMPTION (Economics); ECONOMICS; UNITED Nations

This article reviews the report Human Development Report (HDR) 1998, released by the United Nations Development Programme. The theme of the report is consumption from a human development perspective. It contains an analysis of the links between growth, consumption, poverty, inequality and the environment. The core of the message is that the environment can be safeguarded and poverty reduced by changing patterns of consumption. It has to be dematerialised. In this case not only poor people's, but rich people's consumption as well can continue to grow. Since the launch of the HDR in 1990 human development has been defined as the process of enlarging people's choices. This is achieved by expanding human capabilities and functionings. The three basic capabilities, measured by the human development index are for people to lead long and healthy lives, to be knowledgeable and to have access to the resources needed for a decent standard of living. The state of human development is improving, is the message of the HDR 1998. More people are better fed and better housed, leading longer and healthier lives than ever before.