Evaluation of global biotic resource consumption against absolute boundaries

Human activities rely on biotic natural resources to provide products and services necessary to meet human needs. This instrumental value is captured in life-cycle assessment through the “Natural resources” Area of Protection. Although several absolute boundaries have been proposed to safeguard biotic resources, it remains unclear whether these resources are currently used at a sustainable rate. This study addresses this question by evaluating global biotic resource consumption from 1995 to 2011 against suggested biotic resource boundaries, relying on Exiobase projections to assess the evolution beyond 2011. The assessment couples absolute boundaries with life-cycle impact assessment (LCIA) methods, enabling evaluation using consistent LCIA metrics. Five absolute boundaries and four LCIA methods were adapted to the Exiobase multiregional input-output model. Results show that most of existing boundaries are already transgressed, regardless of whether mass-based or LCIA-based control variables are applied. The wide range and normative nature of existing boundaries emphasize the need for harmonized, science-based boundaries to ensure the sustainable use of biotic resources.