11 May 2011: The UN Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) Branch has released the results of its Global Survey for Sustainable Lifestyles. The results are included in the report titled “Visions for Change: Recommendations for Effective Policies on Sustainable Lifestyles.”

The survey was a joint project developed in the framework of the Marrakech Process on SCP by UNEP and the Task Force on Sustainable Lifestyles, led by Sweden from 2005-2009. The survey focused on young urban adults aged 18-35. The International Association of Universities, 28 universities and higher education institutions, research centres and experts, civil society organizations, communications agencies and youth groups formed the international network that collected survey information.

According to UNEP, the survey’s results highlight the need to better understand, educate and empower young adults worldwide so they can create their own positive visions of sustainable lifestyles. Key findings of the survey included: young people are willing to participate and improve the world they live in, and are confident that they can do so, but need guidance and opportunities to take concrete action; most young people consider environmental degradation as one of the top two global challenges; although demand for organic and local foods is strong, young people in most surveyed countries do not mention organic food when asked to describe their daily purchasing habits; and in many countries, the issue of sustainability is rarely mentioned as a reason for using public transport. [UNEP Press Release] [Publication: Visions for Change: Recommendations for Effective Policies on Sustainable Lifestyles] [Policy Recommendations]