The researchers interviewed 28 participants and asked them to reflect on three possible future scenarios: green growth, degrowth, and apocalypse.
One of the most striking findings was that many participants spontaneously talked about the increasing pace of life, even though they were not directly asked about it. Many described modern life as stressful, fast-moving, and difficult to keep up with. At the same time, they expressed a strong desire for a slower and more meaningful way of living, with more time for family, nature, reflection, and personal relationships.
Most respondents saw green growth as the current direction of society. The idea that technology and innovation can solve environmental problems while maintaining economic growth was familiar, but many were skeptical about whether it would be enough. In contrast, degrowth was often associated with positive values such as moderation, sustainability, community, and a better quality of life. However, many doubted that people in general would be willing to make the sacrifices needed to move toward such a future.
The apocalypse scenario generated feelings of concern and sadness. Several participants believed that society may already be moving in that direction if current patterns of consumption and growth continue. Their worries were often focused on future generations rather than themselves, with concerns about the kind of world their children and grandchildren might inherit.
The authors conclude that the green transition should not be viewed only as a technological or economic challenge. It is also an emotional and existential issue. People鈥檚 hopes, anxieties, ideas about a good life, and sense of personal agency all shape how they relate to climate change. The study argues that environmental policies would benefit from paying greater attention to these human and emotional dimensions of societal change.
The article is published in Environmental Sociology and can be accessed for free here:
https://doi.org/10.1080/23251042.2026.2700393