Key new insights
Image
  • Fighting climate change means making changes in lifestyles, particularly for the wealthy, to complement efficiency and decarbonization strategies.
  • Sticking to the status quo in terms of consumption growth puts any supply-side decarbonization achievements at risk (e.g. solar deployment).
  • For changes in individual behaviour to make a difference, they must be combined with mutually reinforcing changes by the public and business sectors.
  • Lifestyles compatible with the 1.5°C goal can result in a “good life” for all (i.e., “1.5°C lifestyles”).
  • “Consumption corridors”, which set the upper and lower consumption levels of acceptable individual carbon emissions, should serve as a guide.
Image
Key new insights
  • Fighting climate change means making changes in lifestyles, particularly for the wealthy, to complement efficiency and decarbonization strategies.
  • Sticking to the status quo in terms of consumption growth puts any supply-side decarbonization achievements at risk (e.g. solar deployment).
  • For changes in individual behaviour to make a difference, they must be combined with mutually reinforcing changes by the public and business sectors.
  • Lifestyles compatible with the 1.5°C goal can result in a “good life” for all (i.e., “1.5°C lifestyles”).
  • “Consumption corridors”, which set the upper and lower consumption levels of acceptable individual carbon emissions, should serve as a guide.
Insights explained

Households have both a direct and indirect influence on a large share of global CO2 emissions through their consumption patterns. Targeting these demand-side sources has been overlooked in present climate change strategies, which should better balance supply- and demand-side interventions. In order to stay within the 1.5°C target it is necessary to at least halve mean global household CO2 emissions by 2030, with very steep reductions required for wealthy households (e.g. the wealthiest 10% in the EU will have to cut their footprint by almost 90%). Given the noticeable difference in carbon emissions between households in less developed countries and more developed countries as well as within countries, response measures will have to be targeted, guided by climate justice and equity ideals (see Insight 5 for more). Beyond equity justifications, these high-consuming households also offer the greatest behaviour change levers for demand-side mitigation.

Stimulating new value systems and behaviour change at the household level has the potential to create system-wide effects. The emission-intensive consumption areas of food, housing and mobility need specific attention. To make the changes necessary for 1.5°C lifestyles, households will need support from the public and business sectors. Evidence suggests that this process could drive a virtuous cycle of accelerating progress towards decarbonized societies. System-wide changes, such as shifts to low-carbon energy and transport, can make it possible to provide a good quality of life while staying within the stringent individual carbon budgets of a 1.5°C lifestyle.

A concept that is helpful in defining a 1.5°C lifestyle is “consumption corridors”. This is the space where the lower limit of emissions per individual is determined by the absolute prerequisites for a decent standard of living, and the upper limit is set by global emissions targets to achieve set climate goals. Moving the entire global population into this space would greatly improve life for billions while requiring significant changes to wealthy, high-consuming elites.

The COVID-19 pandemic instigated rapid and large changes in household behaviour (if not without contentious debate). This points to the possibility of achieving 1.5°C lifestyles via demand-side interventions, given a global crisis that was recognized by the public as requiring behavioural change. Importantly though, supply-side interventions must utilize democratic processes to assure that the burdens for change are equitably

Insights explained

Households have both a direct and indirect influence on a large share of global CO2 emissions through their consumption patterns. Targeting these demand-side sources has been overlooked in present climate change strategies, which should better balance supply- and demand-side interventions. In order to stay within the 1.5°C target it is necessary to at least halve mean global household CO2 emissions by 2030, with very steep reductions required for wealthy households (e.g. the wealthiest 10% in the EU will have to cut their footprint by almost 90%). Given the noticeable difference in carbon emissions between households in less developed countries and more developed countries as well as within countries, response measures will have to be targeted, guided by climate justice and equity ideals (see Insight 5 for more). Beyond equity justifications, these high-consuming households also offer the greatest behaviour change levers for demand-side mitigation.

Stimulating new value systems and behaviour change at the household level has the potential to create system-wide effects. The emission-intensive consumption areas of food, housing and mobility need specific attention. To make the changes necessary for 1.5°C lifestyles, households will need support from the public and business sectors. Evidence suggests that this process could drive a virtuous cycle of accelerating progress towards decarbonized societies. System-wide changes, such as shifts to low-carbon energy and transport, can make it possible to provide a good quality of life while staying within the stringent individual carbon budgets of a 1.5°C lifestyle.

A concept that is helpful in defining a 1.5°C lifestyle is “consumption corridors”. This is the space where the lower limit of emissions per individual is determined by the absolute prerequisites for a decent standard of living, and the upper limit is set by global emissions targets to achieve set climate goals. Moving the entire global population into this space would greatly improve life for billions while requiring significant changes to wealthy, high-consuming elites.

The COVID-19 pandemic instigated rapid and large changes in household behaviour (if not without contentious debate). This points to the possibility of achieving 1.5°C lifestyles via demand-side interventions, given a global crisis that was recognized by the public as requiring behavioural change. Importantly though, supply-side interventions must utilize democratic processes to assure that the burdens for change are equitably

Background
There are huge inequalities in household carbon footprint both among and within countries and regions and social groups (refer to Insight 5 for more on the disparity in emissions globally). Demand-side solutions are those that involve households as the end users of products, services or processes. These are distinct from supply side solutions that principally include changes in energy supply and deployment of CO2 removal technologies. Demand-side solutions are enhanced by transdisciplinary and bottom-up actions towards climate mitigation measures globally.
Background
There are huge inequalities in household carbon footprint both among and within countries and regions and social groups (refer to Insight 5 for more on the disparity in emissions globally). Demand-side solutions are those that involve households as the end users of products, services or processes. These are distinct from supply side solutions that principally include changes in energy supply and deployment of CO2 removal technologies. Demand-side solutions are enhanced by transdisciplinary and bottom-up actions towards climate mitigation measures globally.
Image
Implications

At a global level, decision makers need to:

  • define equitable “consumption corridors” through democratic processes and place the burden of demand-side changes on high-emitting consumer elites.

At regional and national levels, governments are urged to:

  • translate national policies to achieve the 1.5oC target into concrete measures, including creating the infrastructure needed for 1.5°C-compatible lifestyles;
  • pay particular attention to solutions in areas of food, transport and housing that are of crucial relevance;
  • support changes to household consumption patterns via policy and infrastructure that spur mutually reinforcing transitions.
Image
Implications

At a global level, decision makers need to:

  • define equitable “consumption corridors” through democratic processes and place the burden of demand-side changes on high-emitting consumer elites.

At regional and national levels, governments are urged to:

  • translate national policies to achieve the 1.5oC target into concrete measures, including creating the infrastructure needed for 1.5°C-compatible lifestyles;
  • pay particular attention to solutions in areas of food, transport and housing that are of crucial relevance;
  • support changes to household consumption patterns via policy and infrastructure that spur mutually reinforcing transitions.
50%
share of global carbon reductions (or more) that could come from demand-side solutions.
75%
share of demand-side solutions found to additionally have a positive impact on well-being.
2.5
tonnes of carbon per capita half of 2020 levels) that can be emitted per household globally by 2030 to be on track.
50%
share of global carbon reductions (or more) that could come from demand-side solutions.
75%
share of demand-side solutions found to additionally have a positive impact on well-being.
2.5
tonnes of carbon per capita (half of 2020 levels) that can be emitted per household globally by 2030 to be on track.
Image
Figure 7. Conceptual illustration of consumption corridors.[1]Akenji, L., Bengtsson, M., Toivio, V., Lettenmeier, M., Fawcett, T., Parag, Y., Saheb, Y., Coote, A., Spangenberg, J. H., Capstick, S., Gore, T., Coscieme, L., Wackernagel, M., and Kenner, D. (2021): … Continue reading
Image
Figure 8. Current carbon footprints of different countries compared to global climate targets.[2]Akenji, L., Bengtsson, M., Toivio, V., Lettenmeier, M., Fawcett, T., Parag, Y., Saheb, Y., Coote, A., Spangenberg, J. H., Capstick, S., Gore, T., Coscieme, L., Wackernagel, M., and Kenner, D. (2021): … Continue reading
Image
Figure 7. Conceptual illustration of consumption corridors.[3]Akenji, L., Bengtsson, M., Toivio, V., Lettenmeier, M., Fawcett, T., Parag, Y., Saheb, Y., Coote, A., Spangenberg, J. H., Capstick, S., Gore, T., Coscieme, L., Wackernagel, M., and Kenner, D. (2021): … Continue reading
Image
Figure 8. Current carbon footprints of different countries compared to global climate targets.[4]Akenji, L., Bengtsson, M., Toivio, V., Lettenmeier, M., Fawcett, T., Parag, Y., Saheb, Y., Coote, A., Spangenberg, J. H., Capstick, S., Gore, T., Coscieme, L., Wackernagel, M., and Kenner, D. (2021): … Continue reading
Measures to reduce emissions in three key sectors
Mobility
The required footprint reductions in mobility are at least 72% in overconsuming developed countries.
Reducing individual car mobility.
Individual car mobility is one of the largest drivers of CO2 emissions. Relying on switching cars to electric means utilizing scarce resources and locks in car-based mobility (and all its negative externalities) with investments in new infrastructures. Policies which support demand-side solutions in the mobility sector include investment in and increasing subsidies for public transport, urban and rural development which reduces the need for commuting, providing obligatory space for non-motorized transport, and establishing and enlarging congestion charge zones for individual car use.
Food
Required footprint reductions in nutrition are at least 47% in overconsuming developed countries.
Switching to plant-based diets
The best ways to achieve the necessary changes in nutrition are large reductions in meat and dairy consumption, as well as minimizing food waste. Policies that support demand-side solutions in the food sector include a removal of subsidies for meat and dairy production, financial and regulatory support for plant-based production and fostering community and urban gardening.
Housing
Required footprint reductions in housing are at least 68% in overconsuming developed countries.
Low-carbon housing can be created through efficiency and sufficiency measures.
The decarbonization strategies of thermal renovation, efficiency of heating and switching to renewables need to be accompanied by demand-side solutions reducing individual per capita living areas. Policies that support demand-side solutions in the housing sector include progressive property taxation (based on per capita levels), regulation and taxation encouraging smaller housing and a moratorium or cap on further soil sealing.
Measures to reduce emissions in three key sectors
Mobility
The required footprint reductions in mobility are at least 72% in overconsuming developed countries.
Reducing individual car mobility.
Individual car mobility is one of the largest drivers of CO2 emissions. Relying on switching cars to electric means utilizing scarce resources and locks in car-based mobility (and all its negative externalities) with investments in new infrastructures. Policies which support demand-side solutions in the mobility sector include investment in and increasing subsidies for public transport, urban and rural development which reduces the need for commuting, providing obligatory space for non-motorized transport, and establishing and enlarging congestion charge zones for individual car use.
Food
Required footprint reductions in nutrition are at least 47% in overconsuming developed countries.
Switching to plant-based diets
The best ways to achieve the necessary changes in nutrition are large reductions in meat and dairy consumption, as well as minimizing food waste. Policies that support demand-side solutions in the food sector include a removal of subsidies for meat and dairy production, financial and regulatory support for plant-based production and fostering community and urban gardening.
Housing
Required footprint reductions in housing are at least 68% in overconsuming developed countries.
Low-carbon housing can be created through efficiency and sufficiency measures.
The decarbonization strategies of thermal renovation, efficiency of heating and switching to renewables need to be accompanied by demand-side solutions reducing individual per capita living areas. Policies that support demand-side solutions in the housing sector include progressive property taxation (based on per capita levels), regulation and taxation encouraging smaller housing and a moratorium or cap on further soil sealing.
References

[+]

References

[+]

Browse insights in climate

Browse insights in climate


10 New Insights in Climate Science

A year of climate-related science in review

Each year we consult researchers and carry out a horizon scan in fields related to climate change on what the latest findings and most important new emerging fields are. We summarize this in 10 important scientific insights, and the result has always been a rich and valuable scientific synthesis for policy and society at large, a testament to the ever-expanding and improving knowledge of our planetary climate systems and the interactions with the human world.
Download PDF

Extras

Acknowledgements

The full authoring team and other contributors are listed here. The making of this report has been led by Future Earth, The Earth League and the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP). We also gratefully acknowledge support from Arizona State University (ASU), GERICS Climate Service Center Germany (an institution of Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon),

 We acknowledge the work of the following individuals in their respective capacities:

Produced by: Future Earth, The Earth League, Azote, and the World Climate Research Programme
Website, graphics and publication design: Cultivate Communications, Azote

10 New Insights in Climate Science

A year of climate-related science in review

Each year we consult researchers and carry out a horizon scan in fields related to climate change on what the latest findings and most important new emerging fields are. We summarize this in 10 important scientific insights, and the result has always been a rich and valuable scientific synthesis for policy and society at large, a testament to the ever-expanding and improving knowledge of our planetary climate systems and the interactions with the human world.
Download PDF

Extras

Acknowledgements

The full authoring team and other contributors are listed here. The making of this report has been led by Future Earth, The Earth League and the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP). We also gratefully acknowledge support from Arizona State University (ASU), GERICS Climate Service Center Germany (an institution of Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon),

 We acknowledge the work of the following individuals in their respective capacities:

Produced by: Future Earth, The Earth League, Azote, and the World Climate Research Programme
Website, graphics and publication design: Cultivate Communications, Azote