book.chapter Understanding of plenty

The concept of abundance, as envisioned through a three-tiered pyramid, draws inspiration from Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of human needs, adapted to encompass a broader vision of global well-being. At the foundation of this pyramid lies the fulfillment of basic human necessities: access to clean drinking water, ranging from three to five liters per person per day, alongside a daily intake of at least 2,000 calories from balanced, nutritious food, supplemented with essential vitamins and minerals. Additionally, it includes the provision of 25 liters of water per person per day for hygiene and cooking purposes, as well as durable shelter equipped with adequate lighting, ventilation, and sanitation facilities. Ascending to the middle tier, the focus shifts towards enabling access to energy, education, information, and communication tools. These elements are pivotal in elevating one's standard of living, offering individuals the opportunity to specialize in their chosen fields, produce goods or services, and engage in trade or exchange. Enhancements in these areas promise substantial societal benefits, fostering a more informed and connected global community. At the pinnacle of the pyramid, the vision of abundance encompasses the holistic well-being of the planet's population, emphasizing the importance of health and freedom. This tier advocates for the eradication of preventable diseases and the assurance of political liberty, enabling individuals to make choices and act upon their preferences freely. The realization of this comprehensive model of abundance implies a world where every individual enjoys unfettered access to all three tiers, contributing positively to society. Despite the ambitious nature of this vision, with a proposed timeline aiming for realization by 2035, skepticism prevails due to various factors. The pervasive dissemination of negative news, including pandemics, terrorism, and conflicts, coupled with the media's inclination towards sensationalism, fosters a sense of despair and skepticism among the public. Additionally, the overwhelming influx of information in the digital age and the predominance of pessimistic narratives further exacerbate feelings of doubt regarding the feasibility of achieving global abundance. However, historical trends and advancements in technology offer a counter-narrative of progress and potential. The decline in extreme poverty, advancements in political freedoms and civil rights, and the reduction of violence as incomes rise, all signal significant strides towards improving global well-being. Innovations in technology and new commodities not only address existing needs but also cater to previously unimagined ones, highlighting the transformative power of human ingenuity in overcoming scarcity and enhancing accessibility to resources. Economists and scholars, such as J. Bradford DeLong and Hans Rosling, underscore the unprecedented progress achieved over the past two centuries, pointing towards a future where the gap between the affluent and the less fortunate narrows, driven by aid, trade, green technology, and peace. The narrative of scarcity being a contextual phenomenon, as illustrated by the analogy of the orange tree and the invention of the ladder, underscores the role of technological advancements in converting scarce resources into abundant ones. This perspective is further reinforced by the potential of solar energy, which vastly exceeds current global energy consumption, illustrating the feasibility of achieving abundance through innovation and accessibility.