Assessing the impact of structural change in sustainable consumption and lifestyles research

Fuchs, Doris; Debourdeau, Ariane; Dütschke, Elisabeth; Fahy, Frances; Garzon, Giulia; Kirchler, Benjamin; Klöckner, Christian A.; Sahakian, Marlyne

Abstract

Scientific evidence highlights the pivotal role for structural change in pursuit of the sustainability transformation. A particular challenge for research on structural aspects of sustainable consumption and lifestyles, however, is the assessment of their impact. Especially quantifying the impact of structural change remains a serious problem. This article aims to shed light on potential avenues for quantitatively assessing the impact of structural change drawing on insights gained by a group of international and interdisciplinary research consortia funded by the European Union in the area of sustainable consumption, citizenship, and lifestyles research.