A country’s consumption-based emissions are the emissions caused by the consumption of its residents, regardless of where in the world these emissions occur. This also includes emissions from the production of the goods consumed. This concept can be contrasted with a...

The short answer is, “Probably, but much less than today.” Many studies have aimed to estimate what consumption in line with climate goals (as well as other sustainability targets) might look like. They commonly suggest a significant reduction in meat consumption,...

The concept of “sustainable consumption” can be used and interpreted in various ways depending on the perspective. One starting point is to consider consumption that meets today’s needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs,...

The concept of “sustainable consumption” can, in a way, be seen as a paradox, as “sustainability” involves conserving resources, while “consumption” often implies using them up. All forms of consumption impact the environment, but sustainable development does allow...

Our analyses show that focusing solely on advanced technology is unlikely to be sufficient for reducing Sweden’s consumption-based emissions in line with the Paris Agreement. However, if we combine substantial technological advancements with reductions in consumption...

There are many criteria for what can be considered a sustainable vacation, such as being mindful of the local environment and supporting local employment. However, the most debated aspect is likely that the vacation should not cause significant climate impact. About...

There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on factors such as whether and when airlines transition to more sustainable fuels. Our research [17] (in Swedish) suggests that halving global air travel could align with the two-degree climate goal,...

There is no single actor solely responsible for the climate transition. We need efforts on all levels simultaneously, and the responsibility lies with society as a whole rather than with individual consumers. Waiting for “conscious consumers” to influence the market...

Consumption that is sustainable in terms of resources and emissions is not automatically fair, but research can help reveal injustices. For instance, that a small portion of the population is responsible for a large share of the emissions. One way to approach this is...

What we will consume in the future is uncertain; it depends on factors such as how society is organized and governed, the availability and distribution of resources, which technologies that will be developed, and the extent of climate change. This uncertainty makes it...

A sufficiency perspective on sustainable consumption means recognizing that it’s not enough to simply consume more ecologically produced or energy-efficient products. For consumption to be long-term sustainable and more equitably distributed, the consumption of...

Absolutely! A notable seminal article from 2019 describes a universal diet that is both healthy for humans and sustainable for the planet. However, the diet needs to be adapted to the conditions and specific needs of each country.  In a study three different dietary...

It is understandable to feel anxious about an uncertain future that may be marked by crises and changes. There are some psychological "tricks" to cope with this anxiety, such as taking a break from climate news or talking to someone. A more practical approach is to...

This is a question many of us have probably asked ourselves when we want to engage in an activity that we know causes significant emissions and feels hard to justify. Someone who "negotiates" with themselves in this way is trying to reconcile two conflicting desires...

Yes, most likely, and that's because higher income usually leads to higher consumption, and almost all consumption results in emissions. Individuals with higher incomes tend to live in larger homes, own additional properties, rely more on car transportation, and take...

Research in this area shows a complex relationship between environmental awareness and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Increased awareness of one's own carbon footprint can be a first step toward more sustainable behaviors, but it is not a guarantee of reduced...

Although many Swedes express both interest in environmental issues and concern about the effects of human activities on the climate, voluntary changes in individuals' consumption behaviors are not as common. To bridge this gap between attitudes and behaviors,...

Rebound effects, sometimes called indirect or second order effects, are the unintended consequences that can arise when sustainability measures lead to changes in environmental impact, often due to altered costs. Rebound effects can include direct economic rebound,...

It's often said that "small changes can lead to big results." However, this isn't quite true—small changes generally lead to small results. There are solid reasons to believe that an individual's behavior change alone does not lead to meaningful outcomes. This is...

A lot of people do care, but feel powerless or  limited in their ability to act. This sense of resignation is common when we focus on what we can do primarily as individual consumers. Research (for example, The High Price of Materialism [40], see a summary video [41])...

The term "circular economy" generally refers to an economy where materials are used in closed loops, allowing products and materials to be reused and recycled. "Circularity" is a means to achieve sustainability. A key aspect of a circular economy is to extend material...

Environmental policy instruments may fail to be implemented if citizens have a very negative view of them. Designing policy tools that are acceptable to the public is sometimes a balance between factors like the instrument’s effectiveness, the cost to the individual,...

When a policy or measure is described as “effective,” it can sometimes mean that it achieves the desired goal. However, it can also refer to “cost-effectiveness,” meaning that a certain goal—such as a reduction in emissions—is reached at the lowest possible cost. In...

The public sector has several ways to promote sustainable food consumption. By using foods with low impacts on climate and biodiversity into public meals, it can play a pivotal role. Although it accounts for only a small percentage of Sweden's total food consumption,...