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Unlocking global carbon reduction potential by embracing low-carbon lifestyles

Author

Listed:
  • Yuru Guan

    (University of Groningen
    University of Birmingham)

  • Yuli Shan

    (University of Birmingham
    University of Birmingham)

  • Ye Hang

    (University of Birmingham)

  • Qingyun Nie

    (Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications)

  • Yu Liu

    (Peking University
    Peking University)

  • Klaus Hubacek

    (University of Groningen)

Abstract

Low-carbon lifestyles provide demand-side solutions to meet global climate targets, yet the global carbon-saving potential of consumer-led abatement actions remains insufficiently researched. Here, we quantify the greenhouse gas emissions reduction potential of 21 low-carbon expenditures using a global multi-regional input-output model linked with detailed household expenditure data. Targeting households exceeding the global per-capita average required to stay below 2 degrees, our model captures changes in direct energy use, household consumption and upstream intermediate industrial inputs. We find that implementing a combination of low-carbon expenditures among the top 23.7% emitters reduces global carbon footprints by 10.4 gigatons CO2e (i.e., 40.1% of the household consumption-based emissions of the 116 countries analysed in this study or 31.7% of the global total in 2017). Consumption pattern changes related to mobility and services contribute 11.8% and 10.2% of emission reductions. North America shows substantial reduction potential, while some Sub-Saharan African countries present unexpected mitigation possibilities. However, a rebound effect from re-spending income savings from lifestyle changes offsets the expected carbon savings by 6.5% to 45.8% (0.7–4.8 gigatons CO2e).

Suggested Citation

  • Yuru Guan & Yuli Shan & Ye Hang & Qingyun Nie & Yu Liu & Klaus Hubacek, 2025. "Unlocking global carbon reduction potential by embracing low-carbon lifestyles," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-16, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-59269-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-59269-1
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