This installment of One Cause explores the third Great Untruth: the dangerous myth that the Earth’s resources are infinite. By exposing the stories that drive overconsumption and exploitation, we can begin to rewrite a narrative of balance, stewardship, and regeneration.

The Great Untruth #3: The Earth’s Resources Are Infinite

We live as though the planet has endless resources—an untruth that’s dangerously easy to believe. Water flows from our taps without pause, electricity lights up our homes at the flip of a switch, and forests feel far away from the world of desks and screens. But the truth is, these resources are finite, and we’re using them faster than the Earth can replenish.

For instance, over 15 billion trees are cut down each year. Think about that number for a moment. That’s 15 billion lives—each one a carbon sink, a home for wildlife, a part of a larger ecosystem—gone. This deforestation impacts the air we breathe, the climate we depend on, and countless species that once thrived in these forests.

The imbalance becomes even more stark when we look at the numbers. Humans now make up about 36% of the biomass of all mammals on Earth, while our domesticated livestock—primarily cattle and pigs—constitute about 60%. Wild mammals? They account for just 4%. Let that sink in: the animals we’ve domesticated to feed our consumption vastly outnumber the wildlife that used to roam freely, pointing to how deeply we’ve bought into this untruth.

Kate Raworth’s Doughnut Economics reminds us that this untruth isn’t just about physical resources—it’s about redefining what we consider “enough.” She argues that our obsession with GDP growth has blinded us to the fact that true prosperity must balance meeting human needs within planetary limits. Imagine if our “inner doughnut” ensured everyone had access to basic necessities while our “outer doughnut” protected Earth’s vital systems. This framing invites us to shift from overconsumption to sufficiency, from exploitation to stewardship.

In This Changes Everything, Klein takes it a step further, stating, “What the climate needs to avoid collapse is a contraction in humanity’s use of resources; what our economic model demands to avoid collapse is unfettered expansion.” This tension isn’t theoretical; it’s the battleground on which our future will be decided. Klein’s insights challenge us to rethink not only our consumption patterns but the very systems that drive them.

And the cost isn’t just in the lives of animals or trees—it’s in the quality of our soil, the purity of our water, and the stability of our climate. For example, large-scale livestock farming contributes around 11% of global greenhouse gas emissions. It also consumes vast amounts of water and land, often at the expense of natural ecosystems and biodiversity.

Signs of Hope and a Call to Action

Despite the gravity of this untruth, there are signs of change. The global push to reduce single-use plastics, reforestation projects, and community-driven conservation efforts show that when people recognize the limits of resources, they can act.

But real transformation begins at home. What small change could you make in your own life to honor the planet’s limits? Perhaps it’s being mindful of your water use, choosing local and sustainable foods, or supporting organizations that protect wild spaces. Every action, no matter how small, pushes back against this untruth and helps create a world where balance, not excess, becomes the norm.

What’s Next?

While addressing the myth of infinite resources is crucial, there’s another narrative that shapes our actions in profound ways: our belief that technology will save us. In the next installment, we’ll unpack this Great Untruth and explore what it truly means to innovate wisely.

Stay tuned for Part 4.2: The Tech Savior Myth.

Brad (Eco-author and Eco-Guardian in training)

P.S. Thank you for joining us on this journey to explore the stories that shape our lives—and the future of our planet.

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