Valuing spare capacity

Using the environment to the fullest possible extent, we leave over very little of the spare capacity that may be so useful when confronted by the need to change. In a fully-utilized world, change even at the operational margins has a greater-than-ever human and environmental cost. Spare capacity would, prima facie, appear to be pro-resilience and pro-sustainability. But the obvious conflict is that, in this world, fuller and fuller use of resources is a moral and survival imperative for those who lack basic needs. Viewed from their standpoint, spare capacity would seem to be a luxury that cannot be afforded under present conditions -- particularly when much of the potential for spare capacity is negated by overconsumption elsewhere.