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Facts and Figures
We make hundreds of thousands of decisions during our lives. The choices we make and the lifestyles we live have a profound impact on our planet. In fact, our lifestyles are responsible for an estimated
The wealthiest bear the greatest responsibility: the combined emissions of the of the global population are larger than the combined emissions of the poorest 50 percent.
Governments and businesses have an important role to play in supporting the necessary lifestyle changes by putting in place the right policies, infrastructure and incentives. Making it easier for people to use cleaner forms of transport or eat more plant-based foods, for instance, can help shift consumption patterns, particularly among the world’s wealthiest, and could by 2050.
Living sustainably also has the potential to for all.
Current lifestyles are unsustainable
Demand for natural resources is at an all-time high and continues to grow -- for food, clothing, water, housing, infrastructure and other aspects of life. , including a 45% increase in fossil fuel use.
The extraction and processing of materials, fuels and food contribute half of total global greenhouse gas emissions and over 90% of biodiversity loss and water stress.
We are using the equivalent of 1.6 Earths to maintain our current way of life, and with our demands.
In high-income countries, the per capita – the amount of primary materials needed to meet our needs -- is more than 10 times larger than in low-income countries. And the Group of 20 major economies (G20) accounts for .
to see your carbon footprint and find out how your choices impact the planet, allowing you to make climate-smart decisions.
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The include targets (4.7 and 12.8) to ensure that, by 2030, people everywhere have the relevant information, education and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature.