BSQE – Behavioral economics and climate protection

Behavioral Economics might help Consumers to do more for climate protection

2024

Germany faces the challenge of drastically reducing its average CO₂e emissions of 10.3 tons per capita in order to achieve climate-friendly levels. Despite a high level of awareness of climate issues (57% of the population), consumer behavior often shows a discrepancy between intention and action (“attitude-behavior gap”). With seven measures, households could in principle halve their CO₂e footprint.

Traditional political instruments to promote sustainable behavior are regulation, economic incentives and information. In addition, nudges can help to promote the choice of sustainable alternatives and close the gap between attitude and behavior. Behavioral economics provides the scientific basis for this. It can help to better understand motivations and behavior and to develop effective nudges so that households do more for climate protection.