WWF Report Confirms Germany Can Halve Resource Consumption by 2045 with Public Support

Germany currently consumes nearly 16 tons of raw materials per person annually, double the sustainable threshold, posing risks to climate, biodiversity, and economic independence. According to the WWF report "Ressourcenleicht Leben 2045" published on April 14, 2026, halving this resource consumption to under eight tons per person by 2045 is feasible without sacrificing quality of life. The report is based on a citizen forum that developed five sustainable lifestyle models emphasizing plant-based diets, shared mobility, and realistic consumption habits.

Currently, only 32% of Germans find resource-light lifestyles attractive, but this rises to 55% if infrastructure improvements, fair pricing, and reliable alternatives are provided. Crucially, 58% of the population supports legislative measures that encourage reduced consumption, highlighting the need for enabling policies rather than punitive ones. The WWF underscores that broad citizen participation and social justice are vital for acceptance and success, noting that high-income households consume almost twice the resources of lower-income households. Three-quarters of Germans expect heavier consumers to bear greater responsibility in resource reduction efforts.

The "Ressourcenleicht Leben 2045" initiative integrates research, citizen engagement, and communication strategies to provide a comprehensive roadmap for Germany’s sustainable future. As the report outlines, creating supportive conditions and fair burden-sharing will be key to achieving the ambitious goal of halving material consumption by 2045.