The Imperative of Integrating Sufficiency in Decarbonization Efforts
The European Green Deal aims to transform the EU into a climate-neutral, fair and prosperous society by 2050. This ambitious goal requires radical changes to our core systems of production and consumption – energy, mobility, food and the built environment. Crucial to achieving these sustainability transitions is the integration of sufficiency-oriented approaches alongside efficiency improvements and renewable energy.
Sufficiency, defined as a voluntary reduction in resource consumption that maintains quality of life while staying within planetary boundaries, is increasingly recognized as a key driver for deep decarbonization. Households account for 60-70% of global greenhouse gas emissions, making lifestyle changes a critical lever for climate action. However, research has often associated lower carbon footprints with poverty and deprivation, rather than with high levels of wellbeing.
This article explores the socioeconomic characteristics and experiences of people engaged in sufficiency-oriented practices, drawing on both quantitative survey data across four European countries and in-depth qualitative interviews with participants in various grassroots initiatives. The findings challenge the perception of sufficiency as inherently linked to deprivation, and instead point to the potential for achieving both low-carbon and high-wellbeing lifestyles.
Sufficiency Lifestyles: Characteristics and Experiences
Our mixed-methods study reveals several key insights about the socioeconomic factors and lived experiences of people pursuing sufficiency-oriented lifestyles.
Quantitative Findings: Distinguishing Sufficiency from Deprivation
Through representative surveys in Denmark, Germany, Italy and Latvia, we categorized respondents into five lifestyle groups based on their carbon footprint and wellbeing levels. The “very sufficient” and “sufficient” groups, characterized by low emissions and high wellbeing, exhibited distinct attributes:
Stronger Environmental Identity and Sufficiency Orientation: These groups demonstrated a heightened environmental awareness and inclination towards sufficiency, suggesting that both attitudinal and normative factors play a role in adopting sustainable lifestyles.
Lack of Deprivation: In contrast to the “low carbon footprint, low wellbeing” group, the sufficient groups did not show signs of economic deprivation, such as being unable to afford basic necessities or unexpected expenses. This indicates that sufficiency is distinct from poverty.
Demographic Variations: We found some country-specific patterns, such as younger respondents being more likely to be in the sufficient groups in certain contexts. Rural residents were less likely to be very sufficient, potentially due to differences in mobility options and infrastructure.
These findings challenge the common perception that lower carbon footprints are inherently associated with economic hardship. Instead, sufficiency appears to be enabled by access to resources that allow individuals to overcome constraints and adopt attractive low-carbon lifestyles.
Qualitative Insights: Motivations, Barriers and Experiences
Complementing the quantitative data, in-depth interviews with participants in various sufficiency-oriented initiatives (e.g., ecovillages, repair cafés, community-supported agriculture) revealed deeper insights into their motivations, practices and experiences.
Diverse Motivations: While environmental concerns and sufficiency orientation were prevalent, participants also highlighted social, health and personal fulfillment benefits as key drivers for their lifestyle choices. The initiatives provided a sense of community, trust and support that enhanced their wellbeing.
Resource Prerequisites: Engaging in sufficiency-oriented practices often required access to economic, social and cultural resources. Upfront investments in green technologies, shared housing or community-based food systems were facilitated by savings, homeownership or flexible work arrangements that allowed for time affluence.
Barriers to Inclusion: The need to share common values, norms and resources within the initiatives limited their potential for broader social inclusion. Participants tended to be well-educated, middle-class individuals, reflecting a certain degree of social homogeneity.
These qualitative findings further underscore that sufficiency is not synonymous with deprivation. Rather, it is enabled by access to resources that allow individuals to overcome constraints and adopt attractive low-carbon lifestyles aligned with their values and wellbeing.
Mainstreaming Sufficiency in European Climate Policies
The empirical insights from our mixed-methods research suggest that integrating sufficiency into European climate and sustainability policies is both necessary and feasible, provided that key barriers are addressed.
Recognizing Sufficiency as a Policy Priority: The European Green Deal and related frameworks have historically emphasized efficiency and renewable energy, while largely overlooking the crucial role of sufficiency. To mainstream sufficiency, it must be formally recognized and integrated into the EU’s strategic plans, climate scenarios and wealth indicators, alongside efficiency and consistency measures.
Enabling Sufficiency Infrastructures: Grassroots sufficiency initiatives often struggle to scale up due to a lack of municipal support, resources and political legitimacy. Municipalities and national governments can play a crucial role in supporting these initiatives and establishing sufficiency-oriented infrastructures (e.g., public transport, shared spaces) that make low-carbon lifestyles accessible to a wider population.
Addressing Social Justice Concerns: Our research highlights the risk of sufficiency initiatives being accessible primarily to the educated, middle-class segment of the population. To ensure a just transition, policy instruments targeting resource redistribution (e.g., progressive pricing, carbon taxes) should be designed to curb luxury consumption while providing affordable access to basic needs.
Facilitating Citizen Engagement: Empowering citizens to meaningfully participate in the design and implementation of sufficiency policies is essential for ensuring their legitimacy and acceptance. Citizen assemblies have demonstrated a greater inclination towards sufficiency measures compared to many governments, underscoring the value of inclusive decision-making processes.
By recognizing sufficiency as a policy priority, enabling supportive infrastructures, addressing social justice concerns, and facilitating citizen engagement, the EU can harness the potential of sufficiency-oriented lifestyles to achieve deep decarbonization in a socially just manner. Integrating sufficiency into the heart of European climate and sustainability policies is a crucial step towards building a climate-neutral, fair and prosperous future.
