EU 1.5° Lifestyles - Lifestyles for a sustainable future

© EU 1.5° Lifestyles

The IPCC concludes in their Special Report on Global Warming that limiting global temperature increase needs demand-side actions and lifestyle changes. Previous attempts to realise demand-side changes have been hampered by several factors:

  • First, there is limited quantitative data showing how much a proposed change in lifestyle would contribute to climate change mitigation. Thus, policy makers and citizens lack guidance to make informed choices.
  • Second, there is still limited evidence of public acceptance of drastic changes. This has led to internationally uncoordinated policies and to policies that will very likely fall short on having sufficient impact.
  • Third, policies have usually promoted changes of individual behaviour without addressing structural constraints or structural drivers of unsustainable lifestyles. This has led to policies that remain ineffective and frustrate citizens who wish to make positive lifestyle choices.

We aim to address all three of the above issues, by connecting an analysis of individual lifestyle perspectives, on household level, with an investigation of political and socio-economic structures. Thereby, we will link concrete options for and impacts of lifestyle choices by individuals with enablers and barriers situated in relevant structural contexts. This inclusive approach allows developing concrete guidance to policy makers, citizens, and other stakeholders. We pursue our aims using quantitative and qualitative methods, country-level assessments, and sector-based case studies, as well as innovative participatory formats and a broad range of communication methods.

The project is led by Prof Doris Fuchs and funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101003880 for four years (2021-2025) with a total project budget of approx. € 5 million.

To stay informed about the project and subscribe to its bi-annual newsletter, which you can subscribe for on the project website: http://onepointfivelifestyles.eu/

The sole responsibility for the content of this statement lies with the authors. It does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the European Union. Neither the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) nor the European Commission are responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.