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Nudging as a new 'soft' tool in environmental policy. An analysis based on insights from cognitive and social psychology

Author

Listed:
  • Gabriela Michalek

    (European University Viadrina)

  • Georg Meran

    (Technische Universität Berlin, Fachgebiet Umweltökonomie und Wirtschaftspolitik)

  • Reimund Schwarze

    (Europa University Viadrina and Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ))

  • Özgür Yildiz

    (Technische Universität Berlin Fakultät VII - Wirtschaft und Management Fachgebiet Umweltökonomie und Wirtschaftspolitik Sekretariat H 50, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin)

Abstract

The idea of nudging has become increasingly popular in both academic and political circles. There are, however, many different interpretations of the term ‘nudge’ which blurs its scope. In this paper we focus on the conceptualization of nudges and its functionality in reference to the Dual Process models. Further, we discuss the potential applications of nudging in the field of environmental policy as an important extension of the current policy framework. In particular, we identify areas where nudges could be most effective. We also consider different combinations of nudges with other policy instruments. Our theoretical discussion is illustrated by a couple of examples concerning practical implementation of nudging.

Suggested Citation

  • Gabriela Michalek & Georg Meran & Reimund Schwarze & Özgür Yildiz, 2015. "Nudging as a new 'soft' tool in environmental policy. An analysis based on insights from cognitive and social psychology," Discussion Paper Series RECAP15 21, RECAP15, European University Viadrina, Frankfurt (Oder).
    • Handle: RePEc:euv:dpaper:21
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Christiane Reif & Dirk Rübbelke & Andreas Löschel, 2017. "Improving Voluntary Public Good Provision Through a Non-governmental, Endogenous Matching Mechanism: Experimental Evidence," Environmental & Resource Economics, Springer;European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists, vol. 67(3), pages 559-589, July.
    2. Wehner, Nicholas & Mackay, Mary & Jennings, Sarah & van Putten, E.I. & Sibly, Hugh & Yamazaki, Satoshi, 2018. "When push comes to shove in recreational fishing compliance, think ‘nudge’," MarXiv 2fyuc, Center for Open Science.
    3. Schubert, Christian, 2017. "Green nudges: Do they work? Are they ethical?," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 132(C), pages 329-342.
    4. Georg Meran & Reimund Schwarze, 2018. "A Theory of Optimal Green Defaults," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(8), pages 1-17, August.
    5. Roth, Lucas & Lowitzsch, Jens & Yildiz, Özgür & Hashani, Alban, 2016. "The impact of (co-) ownership of renewable energy production facilities on demand flexibility," MPRA Paper 73562, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    6. Florian Hanke & Jens Lowitzsch, 2020. "Empowering Vulnerable Consumers to Join Renewable Energy Communities—Towards an Inclusive Design of the Clean Energy Package," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-27, April.
    7. Gabriela Michalek & Ines Thronicker & Özgür Yildiz & Reimund Schwarze, 2019. "Habitually green: integrating the concept of habit into the design of pro-environmental interventions at the workplace [Gewohnheitsmäßig grün: Integration des Konzepts der Gewohnheit in die Gestalt," Sustainability Nexus Forum, Springer, vol. 27(2), pages 113-124, June.
    8. Theo Notteboom & Jasmine Siu Lee Lam, 2018. "The Greening of Terminal Concessions in Seaports," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(9), pages 1-17, September.

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    Keywords

    nudging; green nudges; behavioural economics; household emissions; environmental policy;
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