In Germany, each person consumes an average of approximately 16 tons of raw materials per year. This makes Germany one of the leaders in international comparison. This is a major challenge for climate protection, biodiversity and our environment. A reduction is necessary to stay within planetary boundaries and enable a resource-efficient economic and lifestyle transformation in the long term.
The WWF Germany-initiated project "Resource-Light Living 2045" develops robust options for significantly reducing resource consumption in a de-fossilised world, based on scientific modeling and societal participation.. In collaboration with the Öko-Institut, Politics for Tomorrow and Ellery Studio, the scientists particularly examine individual options to facilitate resource-conscious lifestyles in key areas of everyday life.
The scientists of the Wuppertal Institute contribute to the project by providing quantitative modeling of resource consumption, ensuring a solid scientific foundation. In particular, they are analyzing the status quo as well as necessary and feasible changes in key areas such as housing, mobility and nutrition. In order to identify key levers for a resource-light future, the experts systematically consider different living environments - from urban to rural regions, from young to older population groups. In addition, they use scientifically sound future scenarios to show the potential scope for action in the future.
Another key aspect of the project is societal participation: Through an interactive engagement process, citizens contribute their perspectives, ideas, and aspirations, working together to develop practical and socially viable solutions.
Based on the insights gained, the project partners aim to develop practical approaches for a resource-conserving society, along with concrete policy recommendations for government, business, and civil society. The combination of data-driven modelling and societal participation provides a robust foundation for a sustainable reduction in resource consumption.