We each have a role to play in achieving 1.5° Lifestyles. Learn more and ask the experts what you can do.
Citizen Engagement
In relation to the popular upheaval currently unfolding in France in reaction to the pension reform: would you consider this popular movement and its diverse methods to be in line with 1.5°C lifestyles?
Considering that austerity measures are correlated with climate change, that it is a direct contestation of vested interests and the growth paradigm, and that it is "walking the talk".
In relation to the popular upheaval currently unfolding in France in reaction to the pension reform: would you consider this popular movement and its diverse methods to be in line with 1.5°C lifestyles?
Considering that austerity measures are correlated with climate change, that it is a direct contestation of vested interests and the growth paradigm, and that it is "walking the talk".
My impression is that this movement is very diverse. Some participants may be strongly concerned about the climate emergency and oppose the proposal since it would force people to spend additional years in the paid-labour economy. This goes against the work-time reduction that many people consider to be a key element of the transition to low-carbon living. However, I think it is a minority who makes this connection. Most of the participants likely oppose the proposal because they see it as unfair. Many people feel that “the system” requires a lot from them but gives too little back, while disproportionally benefitting a small wealthy and influential elite.
Hi all, As an active member of a grassroot organization in Germany I have been advocating for a more resilient and equitable planet for years and only recently learned about the 1.5 degree lifestyle approach.
Given my work with local groups, it would be very beneficial to have expert insights on how to actively engage citizens in the transition towards sustainable lifestyles in the context of the 1.5 degree approach. Do you have any guidelines to share on this?
Hi all, As an active member of a grassroot organization in Germany I have been advocating for a more resilient and equitable planet for years and only recently learned about the 1.5 degree lifestyle approach.
Given my work with local groups, it would be very beneficial to have expert insights on how to actively engage citizens in the transition towards sustainable lifestyles in the context of the 1.5 degree approach. Do you have any guidelines to share on this?
Our actions can contribute to wider social change when we harness the power of our roles, network, skills and interests.
For example, let´s say we are promoting plant-based diets:
- If we love cooking: we can try new plant-based recipes and share the food with friends, colleagues and neighbours as well as sharing recipes through social media.
- If we are employed: we can advocate for vegetarian meals as the default option for staff meals, and vegetarian catering at events.
- If we have friends who work in restaurants: we can let them know how to increase sales of their plant-based menu items without needing to change the menu.
- If we are parents: we can advocate for plant-based lunch options at school.
- If we love working with others and organising: we can join a campaign or civil society organisation.
The possibilities are as many and varied as the people! And they are all easier if we are having fun, using our skills - or learning new ones, exploring our passions and feeling that we are part of collective action. So, local groups are a great place to experiment with ideas for using our influence and power as citizens to create positive change in our society. The 1.5-degree lifestyles analysis shows that we need an epic transformation in how we live. Some of the major changes that can´t be avoided, such as car-free cities, are currently so unpopular that they might sometimes feel “impossible”. By finding and enjoying our own unique role in influencing systems change, everyone – from individuals to world leaders – can play a part in creating a world where 1.5 degree lifestyles feel fair, feasible and maybe even fun!