Why do people say they care about sustainability but struggle to act on it? 

In this student takeover episode of the Meliora Podcast we explore the ‘sustainable behaviour gap’- the disconnect between environmental values and everyday actions. Drawing on academic research and real-world examples, the discussion unpacks why awareness alone doesn’t lead to change and how factors like habits, social norms, cost and accessibility shape our decisions. 

This episode goes beyond individual responsibility, examining how structural barriers, corporate practices and policy limitations can make sustainable choices difficult or even impossible. From consumer behaviour to greenwashing and energy systems, the conversation highlights how deeply embedded this gap is within our society. 

Linking to key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG 13 Climate Action, the episode considers what meaningful change could look like. Can small interventions like “nudges” shift behaviour? Or do we need larger systemic transformations? 

Ultimately, this episode asks a critical question: "Is the problem really that individuals aren’t doing enough or that we haven’t created a world where sustainable behaviour is genuinely possible?" What do you think?

Host: Hannah Alidina

Guests : Olivia Thompson-Richards, Jack Austin, John Craig Santiano and Alice Burr 

Editor: Hannah Alidina

This episode is part of the Student Takeover Season on the Meliora Podcast and is a group project from the University of Southampton UOSM2043 Global Sustainability Challenges module.