29 April 2025:
Europe is entering a critical phase. Geopolitical tensions and environmental crises are converging, demanding a clear and courageous political response. A new policy brief urges EU leaders to place climate ambition at the heart of long-term security and public wellbeing. Titled “Mainstreaming 1.5° Lifestyles: Building Sustained Security through Climate Action”, the brief draws on recent research and public engagement from the EU 1.5° Lifestyles project, showing that citizens are prepared for bold change—if governments are willing to lead. Political priorities are increasingly shifting towards industrial competitiveness, defence, and short-term economic gains. Yet sidelining climate goals now will compromise Europe’s ability to remain resilient, prosperous, and democratic in the years ahead. The brief makes it clear: climate action is not a luxury. It is a prerequisite for lasting security. “Economic and military security are, of course, pieces of the puzzle,” said Professor Doris Fuchs, lead researcher at the Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS). “But if we don’t address climate instability and ecological degradation now, we undermine the very foundations of peace and prosperity. A realistic understanding of security must include climate resilience, social justice, and the capacity to live well within planetary boundaries.”
PUBLIC READINESS, POLITICAL HESITATION
Despite the narrative that people resist lifestyle change, the EU 1.5° Lifestyles project tells a different story: Citizens across diverse case study countries voiced strong support for ambitious policies—provided they are fair and effective. There is a growing demand for regulatory frameworks that address high-impact consumption, ensure justice, and distribute the responsibilities and benefits of the transition equitably. Voluntary action alone is no longer enough. The brief presents key research results, calling for policies that regulate high-emission activities, such as fossil-fuel cars, excessive meat consumption, non-renewable heating systems, luxury emissions, and short-distance and frequent flying, while making low-carbon alternatives the most convenient and affordable options.
KEY POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
The brief outlines six actions for immediate political attention in line with the research results:
- Integrate lifestyle changes into climate policy: Both national and EU climate strategies must target high-impact consumption patterns in addition to technological innovation.
- Make sustainable living the easy choice: Governments must invest in collective provisioning systems and infrastructures that support daily low-carbon choices, such as reliable and affordable public transport, efficient housing, and healthy food environments.
- Anchor policy in fairness and justice: Climate regulation should foster equity by fairly sharing the burdens and benefits of the transition while providing open space for active participation in political processes.
- Demonstrate political consistency and courage: Mixed signals and diluted policies erode public trust. Policymakers must provide long-term clarity and leadership.
- Redefine wellbeing beyond GDP: True progress means improving health, community, and equity—not just economic output.
- Ensure democratic legitimacy: Citizens want to be involved in shaping the transition. Inclusive, transparent decision-making processes can build trust and counter polarisation.
This month in Lund, Sweden, more than 500 scholars engaged with the question of how to achieve the necessary sustainability transition. “It was very encouraging to see so many experts from across Europe engage intensely and positively in how to mainstream sustainable lifestyles. In his keynote speech, Prof. Tim Jackson highlighted some of the key discussions in the conference, stating that a sustainable future is possible, and will come with win-wins for human- and environmental well-being, but it won’t come without sacrifices.”
For more information, please contact Mathias De Bock via mathias.debock@youengine.be or +324 73 69 35 33.
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This press release was published by the EU1.5 Project. Read the full release.
