Disparities in Consumption

The term disparities in consumption refers to the conditions of unequal use of economic goods to satisfy the needs of consumers. These disparities are stark—both within countries as well as across them. With world population at 6.8 billion and rising, the richest 20 percent of people consume 86 percent of all goods and services used, and the poorest 20 percent consumes just 1.3 percent. The world's middle 60 percent consume 22 percent of all goods and services used. Furthermore, the wealthiest 10 percent account for 59 percent, and the poorest 10 percent account for just 0.5 percent of all consumption. Here are some facts that illustrate this phenomenon: The wealthiest fifth of the world:

• Consume 45 percent of all meat and fish; the poorest fifth consume ...