English Abstract The Dutch National Research Program (NRP) on global air
pollution and climate change commissioned a study on major shifts in
societal trends that are relevant for the climate problem. The main
objective of this study was to give direction to future research on this
topic for the National Research Program. Several methods were used to
achieve this goal: literature study, interviews with experts, researchers,
policymakers and involved parties and a concluding workshop on the subject.
The conclusion of the study was that four main trends in our society have a
relationship, either positive or negative, with the climate problem:
individualisation, ageing of the population, globalisation and the rapid
development of information and communication technologies. Options to
change or break trends can be found in technological innovations, changes in
institutions and changes in human behaviour. Several recommendations were
made for future research in the framework of the Dutch NRP. This research
should focus on trends as such, on behaviour and on policy strategies for
coping with trends and shifts in trends. The following research topics were
recommended to the Steering Group for further study: - a general study on
trends, trendbreaks and climate change, - development of information and
communication technologies as a driver of trendbreaks, - interaction between
technology and behaviour, - time spending, trendbreaks and the climate
problem, - globalization, - new policy methods and strategies aiming at
trendbreaks.