Many climate research studies focus on individual lifestyle changes, such as reducing waste or saving energy, to help fight against climate change. While these efforts are valuable, researchers show they are not enough on their own. Wiedmann et al. (2020) explain that over consumption, especially by wealthy groups, is a major cause of environmental harm and requires large economic reforms. Similarly, the IPCC (2018) highlights that reaching the 1.5°C target needs major policy changes and large-scale energy transitions.
However, individual actions still matter when supported by broader systems. Nyborg et al. (2016) suggest that personal behavior can lead to bigger changes when encouraged by social norms and public policies. This shows personal and systemic efforts work together, not against each other.
Together, these perspectives shows that personal responsibility is most effective when combined with collective action and institutional support. We should appreciate everyday sustainable choices but also push for the bigger changes needed for a livable climate future.
Reference.
Nyborg, K. et al. (2016). Social norms as solutions. Science, 354(6308), 42–43. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aaf8317
Wiedmann, T. et al. (2020). Scientists’ warning on affluence. Nature Communications, 11(1), 3107. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-16941-y
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2018). Global Warming of 1.5°C. https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15/
Dear Hamza,
I am not sure, whether my last feedback was lost, but I encouraged you to also think about not only individual or political measures, but: individual political measures. Also you might want to start out with the assumption: “personal and systemic efforts work together, not against each other” (which you should reference, there is probably quite some literature to be found and quoted) and then ask: HOW (your RQ, which is so far unclear). You could identify (summarizing literature) e.g. three ways (it might also be 2 or 5…) how personal and systemic efforts might work together.
Best wishes
m
The abstract addresses a fundamental topic, which is supported with literature. It is interesting to read. What is less obvious to me is how the topic will be presented in a poster — what is the planned structure of thought, what is the material?