by ellen.dressler -

24 | IMPULSE #3 – “Zu viel Konsum? Zu viele Menschen? – Die Erde am Limit“

Having watched the documentary “Zu viel Konsum? Zu viele Menschen? – Die Erde am Limit” by Arte, I felt a real sense of urgency about the issues it explored. The film dives into two powerful themes that are tightly intertwined: population growth and resource consumption. It shines a light on the challenging question of whether our planet can support its current trajectory of population growth and ever-increasing consumer demand. For those of us in the global north, this film is a wake-up call—a reminder of how deeply our lifestyles impact the environment and others across the globe. And as I watched, I realized just how closely this topic aligns with my own thesis project, which seeks to encourage climate-friendly actions in everyday life through gamification.

Population Growth on a Limited Planet

The documentary opened by tackling population growth, examining the differences between a couple in Italy and a large family in Ethiopia. This contrast was big: while in Sub-Saharan Africa, families are often large because children provide labor and support, in Italy, the birth rate has dwindled, with only 1.2 children per woman, one of Europe’s lowest rates. The film points out that while population growth in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa continues to soar, other parts of the world face their own problem: high resource consumption.

Ethiopia, for instance, currently has a population of 120 million people, projected to double in the next three decades. Here, lack of education and family planning often contribute to high birth rates. Many rural women, often married young, work up to 16 hours daily, and societal norms give men the say on family size. Meanwhile, limited education and health services mean fewer opportunities for family planning. The film shows the efforts of organizations like Menschen für Menschen, founded by Austrian Karlheinz Böhm, to integrate family planning into broader socio-economic initiatives. By improving access to healthcare, education, and clean water, they empower families to make informed decisions about their family size and overall well-being.

Projects like these illustrate that sustainable development doesn’t have to follow the path of overconsumption seen in wealthier countries. They are not only reducing immediate poverty but are also considering long-term sustainability. Watching these initiatives in action, I felt motivated to integrate similar ideas into my app, such as creating community-focused challenges or reward systems for local environmental contributions, like tree planting or waste reduction.

The Role of the Global North

The documentary highlights that the global north is just as responsible for the current ecological strain as areas with high birth rates. The issue isn’t just about “too many people” but also “too much consumption.” Take the Italian couple in the documentary, who use more resources before breakfast than an Ethiopian family might use in an entire year. The wealthiest billion people worldwide consume 72% of global resources, whereas the poorest 1.2 billion consume just 1%.

Our way of life in the global north, with frequent air travel and a consumption-heavy lifestyle, is a significant factor in pushing the Earth to its limits. Climate compensation schemes – where travelers pay extra to offset emissions—are mentioned in the documentary as symbolic, even superficial solutions. They offer a “greenwashed” way to soothe our conscience without addressing the core problem: a mindset of consumption that treats Earth’s resources as endless.

One of my main reflections after watching this documentary was how crucial it is to inspire climate-friendly choices within our own lives. The app I want to develop shall be designed to encourage and reward people for making sustainable choices, from simple actions like reducing energy consumption to bigger ones like rethinking travel or food choices. By creating a system that rewards users for climate-conscious decisions, I hope to make sustainability feel achievable and engaging, not like a burden.

The documentary illustrated how infrastructure can support sustainable behaviors. For instance, Copenhagen has made biking the norm by implementing bike-friendly infrastructure and by making it easier for people to get around without cars. In the app, I envision features that will allow users to see the impact of their actions, whether it’s tracking how many resources they’ve saved or learning about the carbon reduction tied to their choices. Just like Copenhagen’s motivational billboards that display CO2 savings from public transport usage, this app shall help users stay aware of their positive impact.

Bridging the Gap Between Aspiration and Action

As a final thought, the documentary emphasizes the gap between the climate goals of industrialized nations and their current actions. For example, the G20 countries are responsible for 75% of global emissions and, without more drastic changes, we’re still on track for more than a 2.5°C increase in global temperatures. While some progress has been made – such as the EU’s Green Deal aimed at making Europe climate-neutral by 2050 – the documentary makes it clear that much more needs to happen.

The documentary showed me why an app that encourages small, daily changes might be of essential value. By combining incentives and accessible resources, I hope my app can empower individuals to make a difference. The film’s message is urgent: it’s time to address overpopulation through smarter consumption and by fostering sustainable choices. And in the Global North, that means facing our consumption habits head-on and making changes that can lead to a more sustainable future.

Link to the movie: https://www.arte.tv/de/videos/115507-000-A/zu-viel-konsum-zu-viele-menschen/

More insights on population growth: https://ourworldindata.org/population-growth

Sustainability in Copenhagen: https://www.wonderfulcopenhagen.com/wonderful-copenhagen/international-press/sustainability-copenhagen

Menschen für Menschen in Ethiopia: https://www.menschenfuermenschen.at/

by ellen.dressler -

06 | First interview guide

In my last blog posts, I provided some general insights into the topic of sustainability. In this context, I first defined the term more precisely and then took a look at governmental European and international agreements. However, as there are many challenges involved in achieving these, it is essential that not only the governments of all countries work together, but that we as individuals also play our part.

Therefore, it is necessary to find out to what extent people are aware of the sustainability issues, we are facing at the moment, and how an interactive educational approach could help to make the topic more present and show people with simple means how they can contribute to more sustainability.

But before I begin to expand my research into the topic of sustainability education to find out what systems and opportunities for personal education in this area already exist, what platforms, projects and initiatives are available for personal engagement, I would like to conduct a first interview to gain further insights into the topic.

For this purpose, I will interview a friend who has been intensively involved in Fridays for Future for many years and studies Psychology with focus on environmental psychology. Therefore she has a lot in-depth knowledge in this area, as she has also come into contact with many different people.

It will be a semi-structured guided interview in order to provide a rough framework of what the conversation should be about, but at the same time offer the necessary freedom to deviate from this and gain further interesting insights into the topic. The interview will be in German, but to make this blog post accessible to all, I have translated the questions into English.

Interview guide

Introductory questions:

  1. To what extent have you already dealt with the topic of sustainability and how are you involved in this area?
  2. You have certainly come into contact with many different people from different social groups in this context. What is your perception of the current level of education on sustainability issues and environmental awareness in society?
  3. What obstacles do you see with regard to people’s involvement and participation in the topic of sustainability?

Key questions:

  1. Do you think existing educational approaches are effective enough to promote general sustainability awareness?
  2. Do you see specific challenges or barriers in communicating sustainability issues to different age groups?
  3. Do you have any ideas or suggestions on how to better communicate sustainability issues in different social and cultural contexts?
  4. What role could schools or universities play in promoting a deeper understanding of sustainability?
  5. What role do you think the media landscape plays in facilitating or inhibiting a comprehensive understanding of sustainability?
  6. What forms of communication could be particularly effective in raising awareness of the issue among the general public?
  7. How would you assess the role of government or other public institutions in promoting sustainability awareness?
  8. What types of interactive offers, activities or events could help to increase general public engagement in sustainability?
  9. Do you think an individualized approach to sustainability issues (e.g. adapting to different professions, lifestyles or age groups) could be more effective?
  10. Do you have any idea what incentives or motivations could encourage people to integrate sustainability more into their daily lives?

I’m very much looking forward to the outcomes of the interview and hoping to gain more insights into the topic from the perspective of someone who was involved in climate action a lot.

by ellen.dressler -

05 | Sustainability Challenges

In order to achieve the ambitious goals of the various European and international agreements, which I have examined in more detail in my last two blog posts, many challenges need to be overcome.
Environmental issues are inextricably linked to social and economic factors, as changes in one area will inevitably have a major impact on the others. (1)

Example of energy transition

The shift to renewable energy and the move away from fossil fuels are crucial to mitigating climate change. (2) However, this transition presents complex social and economic challenges. On the one hand, the energy transition promises a more sustainable future and a reduction in environmental impact through the use of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and hydropower (3).
On the other hand, job losses and economic restructuring in fossil fuel-based sectors could lead to social unrest and economic turmoil (4).
The socio-economic transition associated with the energy transition raises questions about how to protect jobs and maintain livelihoods in fossil fuel-dependent regions. Job losses in the fossil fuel industry could severely impact entire communities and cause social tensions (4).
Economic transformation also requires investment in new technologies and the retraining of workers. In addition, policies and economic incentives need to be put in place to ensure a just transition and support affected communities (5).

The path to a sustainable energy future therefore requires a balanced approach that takes into account both environmental goals and the needs of society and the economy. The development of social safety nets, investment in new areas of work and a socially just and comprehensive transition plan are crucial to meet the social and economic challenges of the energy transition.

However, tackling the challenges for a more sustainable future requires much more than just political action. It is undeniable that political decisions and legislation play a key role in shaping sustainable change. But relying on them alone cannot fully bring about the much-needed change. Rather, a more sustainable future requires comprehensive individual commitment and collective responsibility to tackle the most urgent environmental problems.

Individual Behavior

Individual behavior and consumption patterns play a significant role in environmental pollution and climate change, but also bring with them many challenges.
Energy waste, excessive consumption of resources and environmentally harmful consumer habits are just some of the factors that have a negative impact on the environment.

When it comes to energy consumption, every individual can make a contribution by using renewable energy, using energy more sparingly at home and at work and choosing energy-efficient appliances. However, the high cost of purchasing these items can be a barrier. In addition, converting to environmentally friendly alternatives often requires technical know-how or infrastructural changes that not every private individual can carry out independently.

There are also challenges when it comes to the mobility transition. The promotion of environmentally friendly means of transportation such as electric cars can be problematic due to still limited charging stations and high acquisition costs. Furthermore, especially in regions with poor public transport connections, the use of a private car is often essential. Sensible alternatives must first be created before a complete change in this area can be realistically implemented.

Concerning our purchasing behavior, we should fall back on sustainable products whenever possible. This applies to both food and other consumer goods such as clothing, furniture or household appliances. However, these are currently usually offered at higher prices than less sustainable alternatives, which makes access more difficult for the wider population.

Furthermore, it is fundamentally difficult to reach the entire population equally and raise awareness of the aforementioned issues.
To sum up, it is to say that the responsibility for sustainable change lies heavily with individuals, but must be supported by commitment and change at corporate, community and government level. This requires political will and well-coordinated, long-term action.

References

(1) European Environment Agency. (2023). Sustainability challenges. European Environment Agency. youmatter. Sustainability – What Is It? Definition, Principles and Examples. https://youmatter.world/en/definition/definitions-sustainability-definition-examples-principles/

(2) Greenpeace. (2021). Kohleausstieg: Je schneller desto besser fürs Klima. Greenpeace. https://www.greenpeace.de/klimaschutz/energiewende/kohleausstieg

(3) Umweltbundestamt Österreich. (o. J.). Erneuerbare Energie. umweltbundesamt. https://www.umweltbundesamt.at/energie/erneuerbare-energie

(4) Lauro, I. (2022). Was bedeutet die Energiewende für die Zukunft der Arbeit? Schroders. https://www.schroders.com/de-at/at/finanzberater/insights/was-bedeutet-die-energiewende-fur-die-zukunft-der-arbeit/

(5) Europäischer Rechungshof. (2022). EU-Förderung für Kohleregionen: Begrenzte Ausrichtung auf den sozioökonomischen und energiewirtschaftlichen Übergang. https://www.eca.europa.eu/Lists/ECADocuments/SR22_22/SR_coal_regions_DE.pdf

by ellen.dressler -

04 | Overview of international agreements on sustainability

Although the goals of European environmental protection agreements such as the 2050 long-term strategy or the green deal are very important, achieving climate neutrality in Europe by 2050 will only have a limited impact on mitigating climate change if other countries do not take similar measures. International agreements, such as the Paris Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, as well as the Sustainable Development Goals, are key to global action. (1)

The Paris Agreement

On December 12, 2015, the Paris Agreement was adopted at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP21). It represents a milestone in combating climate change and adapting to its effects, as it is recognized as binding by all states of the world (2)(3).

The Paris Agreement sets out long-term goals that represent a guideline for all nations:

  • Significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
    – Limiting the global temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels
    – Continue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels (2)
    – Limiting global warming to 1.5°C is only possible if greenhouse gas emissions peak by 2025 at the latest and fall by 43% by 2030 (3)
  • Evaluation of joint progress at regular intervals
  • Provision of financial resources for developing countries to
    – Mitigate climate change
    – Strengthen resilience
    – Improve the ability to adapt to climate impacts (2)

How it works

  • On a five-year cycle, countries are required to submit increasingly ambitious climate action plans, each known as a Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) (2)
  • The NDCs serve as a document in which countries set out the measures they will take to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in order to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, strengthen their resilience and adapt to the effects of climate change (3)

Mutual support between the countries

  • Funding
    – Industrialized countries are encouraged to provide financial support to countries with fewer resources
    – Support of voluntary contributions from other Parties
    – Need for substantial investments to significantly reduce emissions and adapt to the negative consequences of climate change
  • Technology
    – Development and transfer of technologies to improve resilience to climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions
    – Technology framework that accelerates the technology development and transfer mechanism through its policy and implementation arms
  • Capacity building
    – not all developing countries have sufficient capacity to address the challenges of climate change
    – Industrialized countries are called upon to increase support for climate-related capacity building measures in developing countries (3)

Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework is a global agreement concluded in 2021 to counteract the ongoing loss of biodiversity and promote the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of biodiversity.

  • The fundamental importance of biodiversity for human well-being and a healthy planet has been recognized
  • food, medicine, energy, clean air and water, safety from natural disasters, recreation and cultural inspiration are all based on biodiversity
  • Guidance for global policy and action on biodiversity in the next decade
  • Stakeholders: governments, international organizations, civil society, indigenous peoples and local communities, the private sector and scientific and academic institutions
  • Call on the United Nations General Assembly to monitor progress in implementing the Framework (4)

17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals form the heart of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which was recognized by all member states of the United Nations in 2015.

  • common concept for peace and prosperity
  • Urgent call for action as part of a global partnership to all industrialized and developing countries
  • they state that the eradication of poverty and other disadvantages must go hand in hand with strategies to improve health and education, reduce inequality and boost economic growth
  • at the same time, climate change must be tackled and oceans and forests must be protected (5)

Figure 1 shows the each of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals individually.

Figure 1: 17 SDGs (5)

References

(1) European Environment Agency. (2023). Sustainability challenges. European Environment Agency. youmatter. Sustainability – What Is It? Definition, Principles and Examples. https://youmatter.world/en/definition/definitions-sustainability-definition-examples-principles/

(2) United Nations. (o. J.). The Paris Agreement. United Nations: Climate Action. https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/paris-agreement

(3) United Nations. (o. J.). The Paris Agreement. United Nations: Climate Change. https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement

(4) UN environment programme. (2022). Kunming-Montreal Global biodiversity framework. Convention On Biological Diversity. https://www.cbd.int/doc/c/e6d3/cd1d/daf663719a03902a9b116c34/cop-15-l-25-en.pdf

(5) United Nations. (o. J.). THE 17 GOALS | Sustainable Development. United Nations – Department of Economic and Social Affairs Sustainable Development. https://sdgs.un.org/goals

by ellen.dressler -

03 | Overview of existing European sustainability agreements and initiatives

To achieve its ambitious environmental and climate goals through a socially just transition, Europe needs to radically change production and consumption systems such as food, energy and mobility systems. As we currently consume too much and in an unsustainable way, the transition is difficult and requires strong coordination within the international community (1).

2050 long term strategy

In this regard, in 2018, the European Commission presented the 2050 long-term strategy.
It states that the EU is pursuing the goal of being climate-neutral by 2050 and that the transition to a climate-neutral society represents both an urgent challenge and an opportunity to create a better future for everyone.
To achieve this, all parts of our society and all sectors of the economy must play their part (2).

“As Europeans, we want to leave a healthier planet behind for those that follow. We obviously cannot turn a blind eye to the climate challenge; we must look to the future.”

Jean-Claude Juncker, State of Union address September 2018 (3)

Figure 1 illustrates the envisaged path to a climate-neutral economy.
In addition to the complete decarbonization of the energy supply in order to reduce dependence on suppliers from third countries, the mobility sector is also to be comprehensively reformed. The focus here is on alternative means of transport, automated driving in conjunction with electric vehicles and the use of alternative fuels.
In addition, energy consumption is to be almost cut in half between 2005 and 2050 and a modern and intelligent network infrastructure is to be created.
Furthermore, natural carbon sinks are to be created through the development of more sustainable agriculture and remaining CO2 emissions are to be compensated for by creating negative emissions.
In addition, the modernization of industry should be the focus of a fully circular economy (3).

Figure 1: Road to climate neutral economy (3)

The 2050 long-term strategy thus forms the backbone of the European Green Deal.

European Green Deal

he European Green Deal is a comprehensive political initiative of the European Union to tackle climate change and environmental challenges while promoting a fair and prosperous society. The initiative aims to transform the EU into a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy with zero net emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050.
The European Green Deal also includes the following requirements:

  • Protection and improvement of the EU’s natural capital
  • Protection of the health and well-being of citizens from environmental risks
  • A just and inclusive transition that puts people at the center and takes into account the regions, sectors and employees that will face the greatest challenges (4) (see Figure 2).
Figure 2: The European Green Deal (4)

The objectives of the European Green Deal are also being implemented and supported as part of the EU’s 8th Environmental Action Program.

EU environment action programme to 2030

The long-term goal of the EU environment action program to 2030 is for all Europeans to live in a climate-neutral and healthy economy by 2050 at the latest. In this economy, there should be no waste, growth should be regenerative and inequalities should be significantly reduced.
Building on the European Green Deal, it aims to accelerate the transition to a climate-neutral, resource-efficient economy. It emphasizes that people’s well-being and prosperity depend on a healthy ecosystem.
The following are the six priority goals of the program:

  • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieve climate neutrality by 2050
  • Improve adaptability to climate change by strengthening resilience and reducing vulnerability to climate change
  • Transition to a regenerative growth model, decoupling economic growth from resource use and environmental degradation, while accelerating the transition to a circular economy
  • Zero pollution of air, water and soil and protection of the health and well-being of Europeans
  • Protecting, preserving and restoring biodiversity by improving the state of ecosystems and combating desertification and land degradation
  • Reducing the environmental and climate impact of production and consumption, particularly in the areas of energy, industrial development, buildings and infrastructure, mobility and food systems (5)

European Climate Pact

The European Climate Pact is part of the European Green Deal and aims to provide a vibrant space for the exchange of information, discussion and action on the climate crisis, as well as support for the growth of a European climate movement.
It offers people, communities and organizations the opportunity to participate in climate action across Europe, because the solutions outlined in the European Green Deal can only be successful if all people, communities and organizations are involved and take action.
Therefore it aims to make it easier to:

  • learn about climate change,
  • develop and implement solutions and
  • network with others and maximize the impact of these solutions.

It should also encourage Europeans who are willing to contribute in any way they can and reach those who have been less engaged so far.
Objectives:

  • Raise awareness of climate issues and EU action
  • Encourage climate action and promote engagement
  • Connect citizens and organizations working on climate and help them learn from each other (6)

To sum up, the European Union has a lot of goals aiming to create a more sustainable future for all. To be able to reach these, it is necessary that every individual, as well as every community, every organization and every company contributes their part.

References

(1) European Environment Agency. (2023). Sustainability challenges. European Environment Agency. youmatter. Sustainability – What Is It? Definition, Principles and Examples. https://youmatter.world/en/definition/definitions-sustainability-definition-examples-principles/

(2)European Commission. (o. J.). Climate Action: 2050 long-term strategy. European Commission. https://climate.ec.europa.eu/eu-action/climate-strategies-targets/2050-long-term-strategy_en#:~:text=The%20EU%20aims%20to%20be,action%20under%20the%20Paris%20Agreement%20.

(3) European Commission. (2018). Our Vision for A Clean Planet for All. https://climate.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2018-11/vision_1_emissions_en.pdf

(4) Publications Office of the European Union. (2020). Communication from the Commission—The European Green Deal. EUR-Lex. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/LSU/?uri=COM:2019:640:FIN

(5) Publications Office of the European Union. (2022). EU environment action programme to 2030. EUR-Lex. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/LSU/?uri=CELEX:32022D0591

(6)European Union. (o. J.). European Climate Pact. European Union. https://climate-pact.europa.eu/index_en

by ellen.dressler -

02 | Definition of the term sustainability

Before I delve deeper into the various aspects of my major research topic of sustainability, it is important to first clearly define the term.

Etymologically speaking, the word „sustainable“ is a compound of „sustain“ + „able“. „To sustain“ means „to support“, „to maintain“ or „to bear“.
„Sustainable“ therefore is an adjective for something that can be sustained, i.e. something that is „bearable“ and „can be continued at a certain level“. So essentially, sustainability can be seen as a process by which something is maintained at a certain level (1).

Whilst the composition of the word already provides information about the meaning of it, it is also useful to take a closer look at its definition.
I noticed, that people often have too narrow a definition of the term sustainability. Whilst the environmental part of it is usually immediately associated with the topic, the Brundtland report of the world commission on environment and development from 1987 emphasizes that sustainability is a multifaceted concept that, in addition to environmental considerations, also encompasses social and economic concerns (2).

Figure 1 clearly shows the relationships between these three sectors.

Figure 1: corelation of social, economic and environmental sustainability (3)

In the Brundtland report it is stated that „sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs“ (p.41) (2). This still remains the commonly agreed on definition of sustainable development.
The report also notes that „environmental and economic problems are linked to many social and political factors“ and that „new approaches must involve programs of social development, particularly to improve the position of women in society, to protect vulnerable groups, and to promote local participation in decision making“ (p. 37) (2).

Overall it is important to note that in recent times, due to global environmental and social challenges, the term „sustainability“ is often used in a way where it primarily refers to practices and measures taken to prevent the depletion of natural resources, so an ecological balance is uphold, ensuring that the quality of life isn’t compromised.
This understanding of sustainability encompasses various facets:

  • preventing overexploitation of resources,
  • optimizing manufacturing processes to reduce energy consumption and pollution,
  • reevaluating product consumption patterns,
  • influencing investment strategies,
  • modifying citizen lifestyles,
  • shaping consumer habits,
  • advancing technology
  • and implementing changes in business and institutional frameworks.

Actions are considered sustainable when they minimize or avoid harming the natural environment, driven by the belief that safeguarding ecosystems will secure the quality of life for present-day societies (1).

References

(1) youmatter. Sustainability – What Is It? Definition, Principles and Examples. https://youmatter.world/en/definition/definitions-sustainability-definition-examples-principles/

(2) World Commission on Environment and Development. (1987) Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development: Our Common Future. http://www.un-documents.net/our-common-future.pdf

(3) Prokopowicz D. (2020). IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY DEVELOPMENT AS A KEY ELEMENT OF THE PRO-ECOLOGICAL TRANSFORMATION OF THE ECONOMY TOWARDS GREEN ECONOMY AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY.DOI: 10.5604/01.3001.0014.3558

by ellen.dressler -

01 | Sustainability

Sustainability has become one of the central topics of our society. Regarding this topic, we face a multitude of challenges and issues that urgently need to be addressed in order to create a more sustainable future for all.

In recent years, my awareness of sustainability and our environment has become increasingly bigger. Therefore, I’m trying to make environmentally friendly decisions as often as possible. I don’t eat meat, I try to buy my clothes second hand or from sustainable brands, I recycle and try to avoid unnecessary packaging. At the same time, however, I noticed that many people are not sufficiently aware of the sustainability problems we face or do not know how they can make their contribution. Therefore, it is important to create more awareness for this issue and to provide offers that make it as easy as possible to see how each individual can do their part for a more sustainable society and motivate them to do so.

Existing projects

Clearly there are already existing a lot of projects and initiatives that are aiming to motivate people to do something good for the environment.
One well-known concept for avoiding conventional packaging waste is „zero waste stores“. These exist in many Austrian cities and are an alternative to conventional supermarkets. Food is available here unpackaged, from food dispensers and for filling into containers you bring yourself.
In addition to that, usually also other reusable or recyclable products are on offer (1).

Another renowned initiative to draw attention to the urgency of climate and nature conservation is the WWF’s Earth Hour. Every year, for one hour on the last Saturday in March, the lights are switched off collectively to draw attention to the urgency of nature and climate protection. Launched in 2007 by WWF Australia, this global campaign is intended to send a strong signal to international decision-makers to do justice to their responsibility to protect our nature and habitats (2).

© WWF France

Besides major climate protection campaigns like this one, interactive elements, gamification and personalized approaches can actively engage users in the learning process and motivate them to implement sustainable measures. It can create higher engagement and increase the likelihood that people will make lasting changes in their behavior (3).

There is a variety of media and technologies, that could be used to convey information, including interactive graphics, videos, apps, virtual or augmented reality and more. This provides multiple opportunities to present the topic of sustainability in engaging ways.

To be able to do so, it is crucial to answer some fundamental questions.

Central research-topics and upcoming steps

Since „sustainability“ is a very broad field, the research will also be very open at the beginning. The aim is to create as broad a pool of knowledge as possible on the topic.

The following questions will need to be addressed:

  • How is sustainability in general defined?
  • What are the problems in communicating the topic within different target groups?
    – Which subtopics need to be communicated better?
    – Does it make sense to focus on a specific area of the topic sustainability?
  • How can individuals integrate more sustainability into their lives?
  • What are the most effective methods for presenting information on sustainability in an engaging and interactive way?
  • How has knowledge transfer on the topic of sustainability already been implemented in the past?
    – What kind of actions, apps, challenges or other interactive approaches have already been implemented in this regard and what can I learn from them?
    – Which companies were involved in this?
  • What specific topics and subtopics should be covered?
  • What levers do you need to pull to get people to change their habits?
    – Do we need new approaches on how to engage people in making more sustainable choices?
    – Is it possible to just impart knowledge on the topic in an interactive and engaging way to get the desired results?

Expected challenges

With all the questions that need to be answered, there also come along some challenging parts of the research.
Since sustainability is a very broad and complex topic that encompasses various aspects such as environmental, social and economic, it could be challenging to find a clear focus for the research.
Besides that, technology and tools in interaction design are evolving rapidly, so it might be difficult to find current and relevant information that reflects the latest developments.
Furthermore it might become challenging to talk to people who have a deeper insight into certain topics to find out more about them first-hand.

Overall it is to be said, that interactivity allows for a creative and effective approach to raising awareness about sustainability and encouraging people to make more sustainable choices. It helps bridge the gap between knowledge and action.

Relevant institutions

European environment agency: https://www.eea.europa.eu/en
Umweltbundesamt Austria: https://www.umweltbundesamt.at/
European Commision – Education Area: https://education.ec.europa.eu/de

References

(1) Zero Waste Austria. Zero Waste Shops – Unverpackt einkaufen in Österreich. https://www.zerowasteaustria.at/zero-waste-shops.html
(2) WWF Österreich. WWF EARTH HOUR 2023. https://www.wwf.at/earthhour/
(3) Alsawaier, R. (2017). The effect of gamification on motivation and engagement. 10.1108/IJILT-02-2017-0009