The researchers focused on food, electronics, textiles, and home furnishings, which contribute significantly to emissions both nationally and through imports. Consumption in the Nordic region has a large environmental footprint, sparking discussions about complementing territorial climate targets with consumption-based goals.
23 Nordic Experts The report maps around 100 policy instruments. From this list, 21 measures were selected and further analyzed by 23 Nordic experts, who ranked them based on their potential.
The different policy tools include regulations such as product emissions standards, as well as information and economic instruments. Standards and other regulations were ranked highly for both effectiveness and feasibility, while measures targeting individual or household consumption behaviors, such as restrictions on air travel, were considered less feasible due to expected public resistance.
Policy Packages Most Effective The report advocates for policy packages that combine information, economic instruments, and regulations. Combinations are crucial for effectively reducing emissions and ensuring broad public acceptance.
The report is a Nordic collaboration, with Swedish researchers including Eskil Engström, Markus Larsson, Karin Bradley, and Emma Ejelöv from Mistra Sustainable Consumption. 26 researchers and experts from all the Nordic countries have contributed to the work.
THE REPORT
Read the full report here: Policy Options for Reducing Consumption-Based Emissions
THE CONFERENCE
Watch the full conference organized by Nordregio, where the report was presented, here:
https://nordregio.org/events/sustainable-living-summit-how-you-can-act-for-change/
