New SEI study for Sweden shows which groups are most at risk of losing out in the transition to a fossil-free society
The carbon footprint transition compatible with no more than 1.5°C warming – less than 1 ton of CO2eq per person in 2050 – will undoubtedly require significant behavioral changes for all social groups: changes that affect people’s consumption habits, and whose effects are likely to be experienced unevenly by consumers. Failure to take these differences into account risks the prospect of a just transition. This is even more important now that both energy and food prices are increasing, which puts more pressure on households but at the same time provides an opportunity for behavioral changes.
– The study also shows that Swedes who run a relatively higher risk of poverty and social exclusion together account for around 41% of the consumption-based emissions, says SEI researcher Maria Xylia. “This group are those with the highest per capita emissions from car use, possibly due to a lack of alternatives, such as access to public transport, as well as their more rural geographic location.”
This study has identified many policy measures that either exist or are possible to adopt in a low-carbon transition. The assessment of carbon footprint variations between different socio-economic groups helps to identify specific footprint components where the most targeted policy actions are needed.
The footprint variations between different social groups indicate:
- Food policies at the overall national level and across all social groups would be more effective in addressing the emissions of food consumption. This is because food emissions are relatively homogeneous across the whole of Swedish society.
- For car travel, more targeted low-carbon policies and transitional support at municipal level may be necessary. This is because this emission category is more linked to socio-demographic status and geographic location.
“The responsibility for reducing these footprints should not rest solely on consumers,” said SEI Research Fellow Elena Dawkins. “Instead, policymakers should consider the material, economic, social and cultural factors that influence consumption and work to ensure that they are aligned to support low-carbon consumption.”