The real issue is not consumption itself but its patterns and effects.
Inequalities in consumption are stark. Globally, the 20% of the world’s
people in the highest-income countries account for 86% of total private
consumption expenditures – the poorest 20% a miniscule 1.3%.
More specifically, the richest fifth:
Consume 45% of all meat and fish, the poorest fifth 5%.
Consume 58% of total energy, the poorest fifth less than 4%.
Have 74% of all telephone lines, the poorest fifth 1.5%.
Consume 84% of all paper, the poorest fifth 1.1%.
Own 87% of the world’s vehicle fleet, the poorest fifth less than 1%.

Runaway growth in consumption in the past 50 years is putting strains on the environment never before seen.