Off the back of the Prime Minister's climate change u-turn and concerns that the UK won't reach Net Zero in time, are awareness days like World Car Free Day (22nd September 2023) enough to 'nudge' us into being more environmentally conscious?

Professor Ivo Vlaev is an expert in behavioural science and nudge theory from Warwick Business School, he says: “Initiatives like World Car Free Day serve as more than just symbolic gestures; they act as nudges – subtle pushes – prompting individuals to reconsider their daily choices. Such days ignite a ripple effect in our daily choices and serve as vital nudges to shift collective consciousness and inspire environmentally friendly actions.

“While a single day might not transform behaviour overnight, the cumulative effect of awareness combined with practical policy measures can indeed create lasting change. To truly drive an environmental shift, society must intertwine these nudges with robust policy decisions. In an era where policy changes face disappointing delays, these nudges play a crucial role in steering public behaviour towards a sustainable future.”