The Dangers of Consumption and the Need for Decoupling Emissions from Growth

🌍Reducing consumption is crucial in preventing the worst-case climate change scenario.

💼Corporations play a significant role in promoting overconsumption for their profit, contributing to climate change.

💡Advanced technology in energy efficiency and renewable energy is necessary to reduce emissions.

🌱Individuals' carbon footprints should not bear sole responsibility; governments and corporations must take action.

📉Reducing global consumption by 60% and implementing advanced technologies can maintain a decent lifestyle while preventing climate change.

Why did South Korea's green growth strategy fail?

—South Korea's overall consumption levels outweighed its renewable installation and energy efficiency efforts, nullifying emission reduction gains.

How can reducing individual consumption make a difference?

—Reducing consumption significantly contributes to lowering emissions and preventing the climate crisis by reducing the demand for resource-intensive products and services.

What role do corporations play in overconsumption?

—Corporations promote overconsumption through advertising and social pressure, leading to an increase in emissions and unsustainable practices for profit.

Can we maintain a decent lifestyle while reducing consumption?

—Studies suggest that by reducing global consumption by 60%, we can still maintain a decent lifestyle through the use of advanced technologies and renewable energy.

What can governments do to address overconsumption?

—Governments must regulate corporations, encourage sustainable practices, and incentivize renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies to reduce overall consumption levels.

00:00In 2009, South Korea invested 2% of its GDP in environmental projects to create green jobs and promote low-carbon society.

05:08Reducing growth-centered consumption is crucial in tackling the climate emergency.

06:11South Korea's emissions rose by 11.8% over five years due to consumption outpacing renewable installation and energy efficiency projects.

08:23A study suggests that reducing global consumption by 60% while implementing advanced technologies can maintain a decent lifestyle for all.

09:39Governments and corporations must address their complicity in climate change and facilitate the necessary drop in consumption.