As the world navigates an era of geopolitical upheaval and shifting priorities, the challenge of promoting sustainable lifestyles becomes more complex. In December last year, the EU 1.5° Lifestyles project invited 37 policymakers and other stakeholders to a co-creation workshop to reflect on mainstreaming sustainable lifestyles in the current context of increasing societal and political polarization, highlighting both barriers and opportunities in advancing environmental and social change. The key takeaway? Climate action must be reframed, not as an isolated environmental issue, but as a path to fairness, resilience, and shared prosperity. Here are a few key elements to consider:
Reframing climate action: from scarcity to well-being. Sustainable living is not just a moral imperative—it is a pathway to a better quality of life. The common perception that climate-friendly choices require sacrifice must be challenged with compelling, locally relevant narratives that highlight their co-benefits. Reducing carbon footprints is not just about reducing harm; it’s about improving social relationships, fostering well-being, and creating economic stability. This perspective is crucial at a time when political forces are deprioritizing climate policy in favor of perceived ‘urgent’ matters such as security and economic growth.
Navigating the political landscape. Recent developments, particularly in the United States have shown that priorities can shift rapidly. Policies favoring militarization and economic nationalism may make it harder to argue for systemic change. However, they also present an opportunity: as Europe moves to counterbalance these shifts, there is increasing urgency for self-sufficiency and democratic resilience. Progressive movements must leverage this momentum to build coalitions across the political spectrum, linking sustainability with social cohesion, economic stability, and national security.
A new narrative: strengthening democracy through climate action. A key concern emerging from reflections on the rise of the far right is the role of social cohesion and democratic engagement. If environmental narratives are framed only in terms of emission reductions and lifestyle constraints, they will struggle to gain traction. Instead, sustainability efforts should be tied to democratic innovations like citizen assemblies, participatory policymaking, and community-driven solutions. By fostering public engagement, we not only enhance the credibility of climate action but also reinforce trust in democratic institutions at a time when they are under attack.
The path forward: what can we do?
The work of the EU 1.5° Lifestyles Project and the discussions held at the co-creation workshop led us to some key recommendations regarding ways forward:
- Bridge social and environmental issues – Environmental advocacy must move beyond traditional ‘green’ narratives and integrate social justice, economic fairness, and public health into climate messaging.
- Build broad coalitions – Collaboration between environmental organizations, conservative policymakers, and local communities can help depoliticize climate action and make it a shared priority.
- Offer a bold, alternative vision – Instead of defending the status quo, progressives must propose a compelling alternative to business-as-usual growth models. If political shifts can radically transform the landscape, so can sustainability advocates.
- Support localized, participatory approaches – Sustainable living solutions should be community-driven, reinforcing democratic participation and local resilience.
The road ahead will be shaped by how well we adapt to political and social realities. Climate action is not just about carbon reduction; it’s about shaping a fairer, healthier, and more resilient society. By co-creating new narratives, we can counter misinformation, build trust, and ensure that sustainability remains a key pillar of our collective future.