Expanding the Role of Behavioral Science in Climate Change: From Individual Actions to Systemic Solutions

In this talk, Dr. Nielsen will explore how behavioral science can maximize its contribution to climate change mitigation. Consumer choices are well-studied, but other behaviors such as civic engagement, organizational influence, and investment remain understudied. He will share six key recommendations for broadening research priorities, improving methods, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Solutions-focused research can identify actionable insights for policymakers and the public. 

Dr. Berger notes that many researchers interested in pro-environmental behavior want to make an impact: to contribute to mitigating environmental issues. Focusing on impact in behavioral science appears to demand that we study high-impact individual behaviors (e.g., transportation, food, or home energy), and place less emphasis on low-impact behaviors such as recycling or switching off lights. He argues that this view unnecessarily limits impact by turning a blind eye on the most lucrative lever for change: psychologically sound governance. He will illustrate this argument based on examples like the redistribution of carbon taxes in Switzerland and the EU-ETS.