A remarkable outcome of the EU 1.5° Lifestyles project is the publication of the Citizen Guide to 1.5° Lifestyles in 6 + 2 languages: a guidebook for citizens as well as experts and decision makers on how to reduce our carbon footprint so we can lead a 1.5°C-compatible lifestyles and set relevant and appropriate priorities in various strategies at the organisational, municipal and national level. The Guide also places a strong emphasis on the ecosocial aspects of climate change, social justice and well-being.
The guidebook has been published in the 5 case countries (Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Spain and Sweden), in the language of the countries (and in Spain also in Galician, in Latvia in Latgalian) and based on country-specific background data, and also in English, from the point of view of data based on the average of the 5 languages.
In the Guide, we overview what the 1.5° target means and whose responsibility it is to achieve it. We show the average components of a carbon footprint and provide a detailed analysis of the lifestyle of two specific individuals (one with a small footprint and one with a large footprint) in order to illustrate that people are different. Using a simple set of questions, we help readers determine whether their carbon footprint is likely to be smaller or larger. We also look at the lifestyle options for reducing the individual and household carbon footprint, the choices we can all make. Finally, we highlight the importance of community action and active energy citizenship.
The booklet, entitled "EU 1.5°Lifestyles: A guide to reducing our climate impact while living a healthier and fairer life", is available in digital format at this link and in print from the project's partner organisations.
Edina Mihály, GreenDependent
source of pictures: GreenDependent © & EU 1.5° Lifestyles consortium ©