While economic output has historically correlated with ressource usage, there is nothing that requires such a link. For energy, this is called “energy intensity

While economic output has historically correlated with ressource usage, there is nothing that requires such a link. For energy, this is called “energy intensity”, and we already see it stagnating, and energy being sourced from infinite (renewable) resources rather than fossil fuels. The same can happen with materials: there is definitely enough iron and brick and glass and cobalt on this planet to enable everyone to live in comfort and safety. One iPad likely requires far less natural resources than a C64 and screen, while delivering far more value. And once people are clothed, and fed, and housed, consumption increasingly turns to “intellectual” value, i. e. theatre, or Netflix, or a good book.