The Implications of Behavioural Science for Effective Climate Policy - Policy Recommendations (CAST

The ranking of importance is based on (1) the relative contribution to behaviour change or policy support, compared to other factors, and (2) the strength of the evidence base for the intervention. [...] Across sectors, despite most of the public being supportive of Net Zero action, there remains a lack of public understanding of the transformations required to reach net zero and adapt to climate change, and the role individuals will need to play. [...] For example, there remains consistent over-estimation of the contribution that recycling and waste reduction makes to emissions reductions, and low awareness of how to adapt to climate risks, including amongst households and land managers. [...] There is a need also for ‘midstream’ and ‘upstream’ measures – those that change choice environments and the wider system – to remove the barriers to behaviour change and create enabling environments for low-carbon, climate resilient behaviour. [...] Finally, given the importance of leadership and social norms in shaping public willingness to act, the UK government should send clear, consistent signals that climate change is a priority across the whole economy and that there is a need to change behaviour and lifestyles to mitigate and adapt to climate change.