Understanding transition on an individual level

Research indicates that in order to reach the Paris Agreements individuals in the “Developed World” need to reach a 90% reduction of their carbon footprint. Such a reduction calls for drastic lifestyle changes. There are different options regarding drastic lifestyle changes. Among them are renouncing to use a private car, not traveling by plane, having a plant-based diet or living a self-sufficient life.

While such changes will be needed, we do not know how people perceive such a change. People may welcome some changes and oppose others. For example, in some regions not using a private car may be an easy step to take, in others it might be impossible.

In this research stream we want to find out:

• Which options for voluntary, drastic lifestyle changes exist?
• How are people who have already undergone a drastic lifestyle change perceiving this change? How did it happen, which barriers needed to be overcome?
• How do individuals perceive different voluntary lifestyle changes? What is drastic, what is not? What could be an option, what would not be an option?

By investigating the above questions, we intend to shed light on how transitions can be instigated on the individual level and how they are connected to higher order organizational levels.