โGiven the unappealing prospect of collapse, I was curious to see which scenarios were aligning most closely with empirical data today. After all, the book that featured this world model was a bestseller in the 70s, and by now weโd have several decades of empirical data which would make a comparison meaningful. But to my surprise I could not find recent attempts for this. So I decided to do it myself.โ
Titled โUpdate to limits to growth: Comparing the World3 model with empirical dataโ, the study attempts to assess how MITโs โWorld3โ model stacks up against new empirical data. Previous studies that attempted to do this found that the modelโs worst-case scenarios accurately reflected real-world developments. However, theย last studyย of this nature was completed in 2014.ย
The risk of collapseย
Herringtonโs new analysis examines data across 10 key variables, namely population, fertility rates, mortality rates, industrial output, food production, services, non-renewable resources, persistent pollution, human welfare, and ecological footprint. She found that the latest data most closely aligns with two particular scenarios, โBAU2โ (business-as-usual) and โCTโ (comprehensive technology).ย
โBAU2 and CT scenarios show a halt in growth within a decade or so from now,โ the study concludes. โBoth scenarios thus indicate that continuing business as usual, that is, pursuing continuous growth, is not possible. Even when paired with unprecedented technological development and adoption, business as usual as modelled by LtG would inevitably lead to declines in industrial capital, agricultural output, and welfare levels within this century.โ
Study author Gaya Herrington toldย Motherboardย that in the MIT World3 models, collapse โdoes not mean that humanity will cease to exist,โ but rather that โeconomic and industrial growth will stop, and then decline, which will hurt food production and standards of livingโฆ In terms of timing, the BAU2 scenario shows a steep decline to set in around 2040.โ
THE โBUSINESS-AS-USUALโ SCENARIO (SOURCE: HERRINGTON, 2021
The end of growth?ย
In the comprehensive technology (CT) scenario, economic decline still sets in around this date with a range of possible negative consequences, but this does not lead to societal collapse.
THE โCOMPREHENSIVE TECHNOLOGYโ SCENARIO (SOURCE: HERRINGTON, 2021
Unfortunately, the scenario which was the least closest fit to the latest empirical data happens to be the most optimistic pathway known as โSWโ (stabilized world), in which civilization follows a sustainable path and experiences the smallest declines in economic growthโbased on a combination of technological innovation and widespread investment in public health and education.
)THE โSTABILIZED WORLDโ SCENARIO (SOURCE: HERRINGTON, 2021)
Although both the business-as-usual and comprehensive technology scenarios point to the coming end of economic growth in around 10 years, only the BAU2 scenario โshows a clear collapse pattern, whereas CT suggests the possibility of future declines being relatively soft landings, at least for humanity in general.โย
Both scenarios currently โseem to align quite closely not just with observed data,โ Herrington concludes in her study, indicating that the future is open.ย ย ย
A window of opportunityย
While focusing on the pursuit of continued economic growth for its own sake will be futile, the study finds that technological progress and increased investments in public services could not just avoid the risk of collapse, but lead to a new stable and prosperous civilization operating safely within planetary boundaries. But we really have only the next decade to change course.ย
โAt this point therefore, the data most aligns with the CT and BAU2 scenarios which indicate a slowdown and eventual halt in growth within the next decade or so, but World3 leaves open whether the subsequent decline will constitute a collapse,โ the study concludes. Although the โstabilized worldโ scenario โtracks least closely, a deliberate trajectory change brought about by society turning toward another goal than growth is still possible. The LtG work implies that this window of opportunity is closing fast.โย
In a presentation at the World Economic Forum in 2020 delivered in her capacity as a KPMG director, Herringtonย arguedย for โagrowthโโan agnostic approach to growth which focuses on other economic goals and priorities.ย ย
โChanging our societal priorities hardly needs to be a capitulation to grim necessity,โ she said. โHuman activity can be regenerative and our productive capacities can be transformed. In fact, we are seeing examples of that happening right now. Expanding those efforts now creates a world full of opportunity that is also sustainable.โย
She noted how the rapid development and deployment of vaccines at unprecedented rates in response to the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates that we are capable of responding rapidly and constructively to global challenges if we choose to act. We need exactly such a determined approach to the environmental crisis.
โThe necessary changes will not be easy and pose transition challenges but a sustainable and inclusive future is still possible,โ said Herrington.ย
The best available data suggests that what we decide over the next 10 years will determine the long-term fate of human civilization. Although the odds are on a knife-edge, Herrington pointed to a โrapid riseโ in environmental, social and good governance priorities as a basis for optimism, signalling the change in thinking taking place in both governments and businesses. She told me that perhaps the most important implication of her research is that itโs not too late to create a truly sustainable civilization that works for all.
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