To achieve the Paris Agreement target, decarbonising industry alone is not enough; changes in society's lifestyle are also needed – at both the structural and the individual level. This conclusion was presented by the team behind the project “1.5 °C Lifestyles in the European Union” at the results presentation held in Rīga on 31 January.

The researchers found which lifestyle choices would let people in Latvia achieve the greatest emissions reduction, what obstacles make these choices harder and what policies could encourage them. In transport, a "1.5 °C lifestyle" means wider use of public transport; in food – more plant-based products; in housing – replacing heating systems and improving energy efficiency; and in leisure – travelling by bicycle, train or bus.

For people in Latvia to feel that these choices improve their quality of life rather than the opposite, public infrastructure and services must be substantially improved, and sustainable local products must be made. If lifestyle considerations prioritise well-being, health and a sense of community rather than consumption as the measure of a good life, everyone will benefit from the changes.

Their views on the lifestyle changes needed on 31 January were also shared by the participants in the event. In the working group that discussed leisure time and recreation, participants pointed to the need to make destinations in Latvia attractive – to invest in both local nature and cultural tourism, thereby reducing the need to travel to more distant destinations. The group also discussed public understanding of what a good life is – often it is consumption and holiday flights that are associated with living well. Participants noted that the public should be more widely educated about the values of a good life. Similar considerations about a greater emphasis on investment in local resources and on traditional and alternative benchmarks for a good life were also discussed by the housing, transport, food and policy groups.

The study ”1.5 °C Lifestyles in the European Union” examined in depth the experience of Latvia, Germany, Spain, Hungary and Sweden, using consumption carbon footprint modelling, citizens' think tanks, expert Delphi workshops, policy workshops and other methods. The focus was placed on 4 lifestyle areas – transport, food, housing and leisure.

The study also identified various obstacles that make it difficult for Latvian society to adopt lifestyle changes, for example, the convenient and wide availability of public transport (including international connections); the lack of systemic policy; the current model of economic growth; ideas about a good life (what a home should be like, how free time should be spent and so on) at both the collective and the individual level, and so on. At the same time, environmental and social education is also of great importance.

More information about the project: on the Zaļā brīvība website and on the project page. Information on a climate-friendly lifestyle and the 4 consumption areas is available in the latest climate guide.