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Three Scenario Narratives for a Resource-Efficient and Low-Carbon Europe in 2050

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  • Schanes, Karin
  • Jäger, Jill
  • Drummond, Paul

Abstract

Global trends in production and consumption and the associated use of natural resources are far from sustainable. There is a growing recognition of the need to tackle overexploitation of resources, including materials, land, water and carbon. However, transformations to a more resource-efficient economy and society are complex. This paper elaborates three possible scenarios for a resource-efficient economy in Europe. We describe three scenarios and characterize the key differences between them. The basis of the three scenarios - Global Cooperation, Europe Goes Ahead and Civil Society Leads - is very different governance models, worldviews and actors who drive the process. Each scenario encompasses a number of challenges, which are also described. A resource-efficient economy could be advanced through top-down agreements, through market-based mechanisms driving technological solutions, and through bottom-up behavioural changes and community based initiatives focusing on both efficiency and sufficiency. In reality, a combination of these approaches is likely to be required for the achievement of ambitious resource-efficiency targets in Europe.

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  • Schanes, Karin & Jäger, Jill & Drummond, Paul, 2019. "Three Scenario Narratives for a Resource-Efficient and Low-Carbon Europe in 2050," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 155(C), pages 70-79.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolec:v:155:y:2019:i:c:p:70-79
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2018.02.009
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