Consumers 'Key Part Of Solution' To Global Warming

Consumers can have a major impact on the world’s efforts to reduce global warming, a major report has concluded.

The research is led by Professor Mohan Munasinghe, Director General of The University of Manchester’s Sustainable Consumption Institute and one of the world’s leading thinkers on energy, sustainable development and climate change.

It estimates that if consumers are responsible for 75% of emissions and in the developed world reduce their emissions in line with government targets, their action could leverage a major 50% reductions in emissions within a few years by 2050.

The report also and calls for stimulation of consumer demand for low-carbon products and services, using a range of tools such as tax incentives, public procurement decisions and targeted marketing.

He said: “Consumption transcends national boundaries. Businesses serve consumers, operate globally and can work quickly.

Science Daily