Study finds consumer behavior drives two-thirds of global emissions, urges reduced consumption

Consumer behavior is responsible for nearly two‑thirds of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to recent analysis. The finding underscores the scale of emissions linked to everyday purchasing, travel, energy use and waste generation, positioning individual and household consumption patterns as a dominant driver of climate impact worldwide.

A study published in the *International Journal of Business Excellence* argues that environmental policy should prioritize reducing absolute consumption rather than merely greening existing consumption. The authors contend that efficiency gains and low‑carbon alternatives, while beneficial, are insufficient to meet climate targets unless overall demand for goods and services declines. They call for policy measures that encourage lower material throughput, such as promoting product longevity, sharing economies, and revising consumption‑driven incentives, suggesting that a shift toward reduced consumption could more effectively curb emissions and support global climate objectives.