Our publications

Contents

•   A revolution in its infancy
•   Determinants to be considered for sustainable consumption

There is now largely on the unsustainable nature of our model of consumption, excessive in his samples as in discharges, destructive climate and biodiversity. Given this situation, the States have so far sought to "green economy" by encouraging more production friendly social norms and the environment.
This approach is insufficient: technological progress, it is necessary to , will not counter the increasing population and changing lifestyles. We must also change our behavior to move towards a genuine "sustainable consumption". It seems we have to be defined not only in reference to sustainable development but also as a profound change in habits born of the rise of modern consumer societies. Citizens' needs will be met by goods and services more resource efficient, less polluting and contributing to social progress, but also by computerized exchanges (rent, share, barter). This model will induce changes in the culture and lifestyles, where material enjoyment will fall to other parts of the lifestyle (family, culture, art, sports).

This evolution requires the political vision of a society in which material consumption would not be the determining factor in the welfare and quality of life, ie the output of a society centered on consumption. It will involve a gradual change in economic circuits that must remain compatible with the fundamental growth and competitiveness of our companies.
 

•   Authors: Dominique Auverlot , Blandine Barreau and Caroline Le Moign , Centre for Strategic Analysis.

Press contact:

Jean-Michel Roullé
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jean-michel.roulle@strategie.gouv.fr
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* Center for Strategic Analysis (2011), for sustainable consumption, Mission Report, chaired by Elisabeth Laville, January.