A new report by adelphi research shows how people can significantly reduce carbon emissions at household level with 50 impactful lifestyle options. At the same time, political support is needed to enable structural changes.
In the latest report, "Effective Options for a Transition to 1.5° Lifestyles at the Household Level", adelphi research consolidates more than three years of research on citizens in five EU countries and their attitudes towards changing their lifestyles to align with the 1.5°C target set by the Paris Agreement.
The report, funded by the European Commission's Horizon 2020 programme and part of the EU 1.5 Lifestyles Project underscores the necessity of both individual and systemic changes to reduce carbon emissions significantly.
Key findings of the report include:
Identification of 50 impactful lifestyle options: Through extensive literature research and expert interviews, 50 options were identified that have the potential to significantly reduce household carbon emissions, including nutrition, mobility, housing, and leisure.
Citizen engagement through the Climate Puzzle: An interactive game, the Climate Puzzle was developed and used in citizen labs in five countries (Sweden, Latvia, Hungary, Spain and Germany) to raise awareness and stimulate discussions about sustainable lifestyles.
Acceptance and barriers: The results indicate high acceptance for changes that require minor behavioural adjustments or financial investments, such as reducing food waste or installing energy-efficient lighting. However, structural barriers were identified as major obstacles to more significant changes.
Recommendations for action: Based on the findings, specific recommendations are made to facilitate and promote the adoption of sustainable practices.
The report emphasises the role of citizens as key actors in the transformation process and highlights the importance of political support and structural changes to enable the transition to more sustainable lifestyles.
