There are 4 billion people across Asia and the Pacific, about 65% of total world population. This group currently represents 20% of the world’s consumer power, but that is set to change quickly, increasing to 48% by 2030. This is a scale that has influence not only on Asia, but also on the rest of the world. Consumption patterns in the Asia and the Pacific region are changing rapidly – in the year 2000, the average person in Asia consumed 4.5 tonnes of materials every year. Fifteen years later, this has doubled to 9 tonnes per person.
Our lifestyles have changed for the most part for the better as a result – better access to food, housing and transport, and far more access to disposable income for our leisure activities. However, there have been downsides as the region has seen major increase in both pollution and waste emissions. Citizens, policy makers and business alike are now looking into more resource ecient ways of meeting the needs, wants and dreams of the citizens of Asia and the Pacific.
Sustainable lifestyles and education
Sustainable lifestyles and education are reflected multiple times in the SDGs:
SDG 4.7 - By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles.
SDG 12.8 - By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature.
The three main areas for the current work on sustainable lifestyles and education are:
- Policy: Sustainable consumption policy toolkit and policy support, online and in person training for policy makers on SCP
- Youth: Empowering youth for sustainable lifestyles through 4 Billion Dreams, Sustainable Consumption and Production Academy for young professionals
- Private Sector: Industry dialogues on sustainable lifestyles, Sustainable advertising
Partnership
For sustainable lifestyles to become a reality in the Asia and the Pacific region, all stakeholders including policy makers, academia and the private sector must work hand in hand. Youth, as the leaders of the future, must be empowered and inspired to create a more sustainable pathway for the region.
