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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