Sustainable wellbeing needs more than lifestyle change

What if living better - rather than simply consuming less - could also help us stay within planetary limits?

A new paper in Ecological Economics, co-authored by Surrey Climate Commission’s Angela Druckman, explores this question for the UK, France and Finland. Its message is clear: lifestyle changes matter, but they are not enough on their own.

The paper’s central lesson is simple: a good life within planetary boundaries will not be achieved by asking individuals to try harder inside unsustainable systems. Surrey can help change those systems - so that the healthier, fairer and more enjoyable choice is also the lower-carbon choice.

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