Researchers investigate the effects of four days a week on the climate

In order to protect us from the catastrophic consequences of climate change, we need innovative and good ideas in the next few years. In addition to sustainable production of energy, building materials and other consumer goods, we should also rethink existing processes in our everyday life and readjust them if necessary. A study from the UK made an interesting thought experiment on this.

The researchers looked at which activities produce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases and found that our working life has great potential for savings. If the country switched to a 4-day week by 2025, 127 million tons of emissions could be saved.

There are mutliple reasons for this. In addition to the shorter period in which energy-intensive goods are produced, emissions from commuting and lunch breaks at the restaurant around the corner would also be eliminated. In addition, buildings would have to be heated or air-conditioned less.

The study also assumes that workers spend their free time doing low-emission activities, including meeting friends, exercising or simply relaxing with family members. Thus, the loss of a working day would also be balm for the psyche of many people.

The British researchers are not alone with this idea; a shorter week has already been investigated in various situations in the past. In addition to Unilever, which has been carrying out such an experiment in New Zealand since December, there have already been attempts in Spain and Scotland.

Own opinion:

The principle of a 4-day week is not new. Many tests in the past have already shown that the loss of a working day has many positive effects; it does not necessarily reduce productivity. It only remains to be seen whether such a concept can prevail, after all, no 4-day week is of any use if every employee has to divide the workload from 5 days to 8 hours less. If you master this challenge, then I am already looking forward to a 32-hour week.

Via The Guardian