Behaviour Change for Sustainability: From Policy to Practice

About the Event

This interactive roundtable will explore how behavioural science can enhance climate and sustainability policy, including a discussion on individual-focused (i-frame) approaches and systems-focused (s-frame) interventions. The session will examine how behavioural insights can complement technical and policy solutions by addressing the wider institutional, social, and infrastructural contexts in which behaviour takes place.

The format for the day will begin with a short opening that outlines key challenges and opportunities identified through work undertaken by the University of Warwick and its partners, providing a shared framework for discussion. This will be followed by a series of moderated, thematic roundtable discussions, before concluding with light refreshments and informal networking. There is no requirement to prepare or deliver a formal presentation.

We look forward to your contributions as we explore questions such as:

• How can behavioural science enhance the effectiveness of climate and sustainability policy beyond individual behaviour change? (session 1-3)
• What are the limitations of approaches focused on individual choice, responsibility, and motivation, and when are approaches that target institutions, infrastructure, norms, and systems more appropriate? (session 1-3)
• What psychological, social, and structural barriers limit the uptake of sustainable practices that underpin a circular economy? (session 1)
• Which behavioural strategies, at both the individual and system level, have shown promise in overcoming these barriers, and where do challenges remain? (session 2)
• How do social norms, institutions, and collective practices shape climate behaviours, and how can policy better support these dynamics? (session 1-3)