Translating sustainable living into desirable, easy, everyday actions that resonate with people is challenging. The Anatomy of Action builds on how people make choices, recasting evidence-based messaging and engaging strategically with what shapes behaviour and aspirations in different parts of the world. From 28th September – 12th October, the Anatomy of Action social media challenge recorded a reach of over 10 million across 50 countries worldwide.
By 2050 the world’s population is expected to reach 10 billion. With more people comes more consumption – for basic needs as well as a thirst for well-being, fashion, travel and better living. The Anatomy of Action was born out of a partnership between the United Nations Environment Programme and The UnSchool of Disruptive Design to support interventions that would help make sustainable living and lifestyle values, attitudes and behaviours the dominant norm. It outlines tangible individual actions that contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 12 to ensure responsible consumption and production patterns. Through everyday lifestyle swaps - under food, consumer goods, housing, mobility and leisure - we can move away from damaging daily actions and kick start living better and lighter for people and the planet.
These 5 areas that meet our everyday living needs hold the potential, if enough people swap their actions, to support the global shift required to meet 2030 targets. For example, meat and dairy productions already account for 14.5% of all human-induced emissions. And food loss and waste generates 8-10% of greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, swapping animal protein for plant based options and reducing food waste at home are two of the best ways to transform our climate impact.
Since December 2020, the total and combined #AnatomyofAction reach has surpassed 18 million, proving the will to act is here. We know our collective future is dependent on the cumulative outcome of our actions today. Continue to choose more sustainable everyday action and advocate local governments and businesses to support systemic change towards a green future.
Join the thousands of AoA activators and stay tuned for future events and challenges on the Anatomy of Action Instagram and LinkedIn.