Individual responsibility and my role as university teacher Ingrid Karlsson, Baltic University Programme, Center for Sustainable Development in Uppsala, Uppsala University, Sweden 9 October Ingrid Karlsson BUP Uppsala University (reprint of this presentation is only allowed after contact with the author)

Consumer behaviour is a power of individuals and independent households and groups Numerous investigations show that the individual choice account for 50% or more of the impact on the environment 9 October Ingrid Karlsson BUP Uppsala University

Direct and indirect impact Individual choices have significant direct impact in the areas of transportation, housing, energy-use, solid waste, water, and food Individuals also have great indirect impact in their roles as voters and citizens, investors, leaders, experts, researchers and members of non-profit organisations. 9 October Ingrid Karlsson BUP Uppsala University

To be a responsible citizen you need Information of high quality and reliability Mechanisms supporting and catalyzing voluntary actions (to ensure an inflow of corrections and new ideas to politicians and scientists) Improvements in your capacities to act effectively (knowledge, equipment, structures) Voluntary partnerships (example: The Finnish National Commission on Sustainable Development (FNCSD) Basic Human Rights 9 October Ingrid Karlsson BUP Uppsala University

Voluntary, economic and policy issues need to go hand in hand? Politicians need correct information to be able to make wise decisions Individuals need correct information to make good individual decisions Scientists need inflow of ideas and experience to direct ther efforts on relevant issues Business need to know what consumers need and want 9 October Ingrid Karlsson BUP Uppsala University

The university teacher´s responsibility What do we need to know in order to make better choices? How can information be as effective as possible? Why (or why not) increase the support for education and information so that the individuals and household can make better choices? 9 October Ingrid Karlsson BUP Uppsala University

Individual choice Family Friends Work colleaguesReligious group Newspapers, Internet media, tv, radio etc Legislation Political /ethical values Business marketing Traditions in the society Economic necessity Scientific facts Education level Other interest group (NGO) Technological availability Availability of infrastructure Local and practical knowledge A comfortable life status Individual decisions are based on economic considerations, availability, attitudes, and trustworthy information Fig. 3. The complexity of making individual choices 9 October Ingrid Karlsson BUP Uppsala University