Actually, people in poor countries are now living better than what was the American middle class. They have affordable healthcare, education safety networks like extended families and have the gift of improvisation. During power shortages we use tractor batteries to run necessary items like fans and a few lights. Or adapt to blackout timings.

Sure, we’ve stupidly embraced use of toxic plastics, styrofoam ( McDonald’s) etcand other western cast offs, pollution from lack of emission controls and factories, but awareness is rising. In america, we are spoilt rotten. What! No toilet paper?! Blizzard warning- clean out grocery shelves! A/c set at 75*in the dead of winter so I can walk around the house in a tee? Oh please! We must wake up and learn to consume less.

I live in both, poor and so-called rich countries so I can safely comment.

Cheers!