This figure illustrates global trends in resource extraction, GDP, population and material intensity in indexed form (1980 equals a value of 100).

Between 1980 and 2007, world GDP (in constant prices) grew by 120%, while world population increased by more than 50%. Also global resource extraction grew significantly, by almost 62% in this time period (see also other graphs). A relative decoupling (or de-linking) between economic growth and resource extraction could therefore be observed. In the year 2007, 26% less natural resources were necessary to produce one dollar of economic output. However, as material intensity decreased to a lower extent than economic growth, no absolute de-coupling was achieved and resource extraction continues to grow in absolute terms.