Unlocking the potential of demand-side climate mitigation strategies

Demand-side climate mitigation policies aim to influence demand for goods and services by end-users in order to promote low-carbon consumption patterns and lifestyles. Despite their significant mitigation potential, demand-side policies remain relatively underutilised to date. Encouraging behaviour change towards more sustainable choices requires understanding and addressing the drivers of end-users’ decision making in various contexts. This paper draws on recent reports and data to take stock of OECD work on demand-side mitigation strategies. It reviews available evidence on their effectiveness, on enabling factors and barriers, and offers recommendations for effective implementation, with special focus on four sectors key to demand-side mitigation: energy use in buildings, transport, waste, and diets.