Detailed Summary        Summary of Annexures         Defined Terms      

Many eminent scientists, ecologists and climatologists - 

(i)         advocate that "man's energy consumption behaviour is materially accelerating the planet's rate of warming"; and

(ii)        consider that a "shift in lifestyles" is required to mitigate climate change

‘'Changes in lifestyles and consumption patterns that emphasise resource conservation can contribute to developing a low-carbon economy that is both equitable and sustainable.....'' is an extract from the summary of the 1,000 page ‘Climate Change 2007: Mitigation of Climate Change' report issued in May 2007 which was approved by the ninth session of the InterGovernmental Panel on Climate Change Working Group III in Bangkok comprising scientists, environmentalists and Government officials from over 120 countries.  Refer 4 page Summary.

''Changes in occupant behaviour, cultural patterns and consumer choice and use of technologies can result in considerable reduction in carbon dioxide emissions related to energy use in buildings,'' it added.

''This is for a change of lifestyle without a change in comfort,'' added Rajendra Pachuri, chairman of the IPCC.  "One has to try to accept a different threshold of comfort.''

Non-Governmental organisations (NGOs) who sat through the discussions interpreted this message that was included for the first time in an IPCC report differently. ‘'It is a strong message sent to the citizens of the United States and Europe to reassess their personal carbon footprint and help the rest of the world to achieve a common goal,'' Shailendra Yashwant, climate and energy team manager for the South-east Asia office of Greenpeace, told IPS.

According to the World Wildlife Fund, an average -

*        U.S. citizen requires 10 hectares of the planet to support his or her lifestyle

*        European needs > 5 hectares; or

*        person in Africa draws on about 1 hectare of the earth's resources to live.

‘'While Governments have to take the lead in finding solutions, people also have to play their part in making changes to reduce GHG emissions,'' says Ismalel Elgizouli, a mathematician at the Khartoum University, Sudan, and an African representative at the IPCC. ‘'That is why changes in lifestyles are essential.''

A mathematician may be able to crunch the numbers to determine the magnitude of lifestyle change required to arrest global warming.  However, a mathematician's expectation that people will pro-actively change their energy consumption to reduce GHG emissions is naive and fanciful.

Due to the rationale explained in Section 7 and Section 10, Governments need to initiate a cost-effective Youthful Exuberance Lifestyle Programme to assist their adult citizens commence a REA which incorporates a LCCBSG which generates fellowship and bonhomie, thereby galvanize their citizens to introduce Positive Lifestyle Changes in their Lifestyle Behaviour exhibiting a higher regard for the planet with associated Reduced Carbon Emissions.