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When and why people do lower carbon practices: electrification of gas cooktops by Sarah Boddington

 Abstract: The context in which people make decisions about changing their household appliances, including their cooktops, is changing rapidly. The challenges of climate change are leading to programs to encourage people to phase-out gas, new limits on connecting gas to buildings, new cooktop technologies and increasing national debates about gas. It is therefore timely to ask – how are people making decisions about changes to their cooktops? Is protecting the environment motivating them to phase out gas, as some studies suggest? Or are other factors more front-of-mind? Do different factors matter to different groups in the population? To answer these questions, we undertook a study in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) exploring what factors are shaping homeowners’ decisions about changing their cooktops. We did brief on-the-spot interviews with 61 people, including people aged over 60, people with children at home under the age of 9, and people who identify as having Asian ethnicity. We also interviewed 23 people who interacted with an information stall about electrification of cooktops. We find that most people make decisions about cooktops in ways that align with prevailing social practices of renovation, that many do not see climate change as a reason for acting, and that some people see their decisions as linked to debates on gas. As a result, change may be slower than expected or needed. We conclude with some recommendations to engage with and amplify processes of change already underway in social practices and social identities.

Minimalist motivations and practices: insights into how minimalists respond to consumerism and overwhelm by Rebecca Blackburn

Abstract: The global top ten percent of the income earners are responsible for 50% of carbon emissions. From an environmental and social justice perspective there is an imperative for this group of people to reduce their consumption. One group of people, minimalists, have voluntarily adopted a low consumption lifestyle despite the consumptogenic forces of our society, and they may provide insights on how to reduce consumption. To understand their motivations and practices, we interviewed 15 Australian minimalists. We found that the primary motivations for adopting minimalism are greater wellbeing, financial benefits and a calm and organised home environment. While some were motivated by the environment, for the majority it was a secondary motivation. Practices involve buying less, (non) shopping practices and thoughtful disposal, with most giving possessions away or recycling. They maintain minimalism by avoiding advertising, regular decluttering, and present-giving rules. Minimalism was found to meet the three psychological needs described by Self Determination Theory: competence (more organised), relatedness (more time for family and friends), and autonomy (freedom from shopping, consumerism, and advertising), thus providing an explanation for why minimalism is adopted. We conclude this talk with some recommendations for policy makers.

Society and Climate Change Seminar Series

These talks are part of a series of talks about society and climate change designed for researchers, students and policy makers. The series provides an opportunity to connect with researchers studying similar topics and present your research in a supportive multidisciplinary environment. PhD and Master students welcome. Held at ANU every six weeks, from 4pm to 5.00 pm, with nibbles and drinks afterwards.  

Kindly supported by the ANU Institute of Climate, Energy and Disaster Solutions.