Everything must change: 1.5°C decarbonization scenarios across industries and households

Abstract

Extensive reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are needed to limit global warming to the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C target. Scenarios consistent with this target typically involve extensive interventions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the energy, transportation, building, and agriculture sectors. However, lifestyle change can also play a crucial role in 1.5°C decarbonization pathways. This thesis explores the emissions reduction potential of industrial technological change without household lifestyle change, and that of household lifestyle change with and without the effects of industrial decarbonization and socioeconomic change. Through this scenario analysis, changes to household carbon footprints from lifestyle change can be understood in the context of other relevant changes, such as electrification combined with greater renewable electricity penetration, or higher household consumption levels. The combined results of the thesis provide evidence to answer the question: “What are the impacts of industrial decarbonization and lifestyle changes on household carbon footprints in EU countries in 2030 and 2050?”