The Challenge
As the net-zero energy transition gathers steam, policymakers need the right tools to build a movement and affect behaviour change. In 2024 Davis Pier and Net Zero Atlantic teamed up to answer a critical question:
What behavioural interventions can effectively accelerate Atlantic Canada’s transition to net zero emissions—and how can we test what works best in this unique regional context?
Literature on global energy transitions is extensive, but evidence on effective, locally-tested interventions in Atlantic Canada are limited.
Davis Pier was uniquely positioned to support the design, testing, and refinement of behavioural approaches that can meaningfully influence pro-climate decisions in the region. Not only do we bring expertise in translating evidence into practical actions, but we embed behavioural science to connect the dots between service design, human behaviour, and local context. This approach moves well beyond theory and enables practical, real-world interventions with measurable impact.
Our behavioural scientists worked alongside researchers and public policy professionals to review the latest evidence on greenhouse gas emissions and behaviour-based climate solutions. We focused on what works, identifying the interventions with the greatest potential to reduce emissions and advance equity in Atlantic Canada.
By translating behavioural insights into clear, trial-ready policy levers, we equipped policymakers with solutions they can implement, evaluate, and scale—ensuring that climate actions are human-centred, effective, and equitable.
Designing Climate Forward Solutions
Designing a sustainable future is a choice. For policymakers, this means:
- Making environmentally friendly choices the default option when designing public services.
- Leveraging behavioural science insights to achieve public policy goals, like social norms interventions and default options.
- Recognizing that policy can be a key driver to address barriers like cost, convenience, and infrastructure.
- Engaging affected communities early and often. Particularly those who have been historically marginalized.
Applying an evidence-based policy approach alongside behavioural science has potential to make lasting and demonstrable changes across climate policy. Initiatives like investments in safe, reliable public and active transport infrastructure could help Atlantic Canadians make more pro-climate choices. Coupled with highly targeted education to combat misinformation, integrating behavioural science behaviour with evidence-based policy can help build more efficient solutions.
Our work demonstrated the value of intersecting behavioural science with evidence-based policy. Understanding the psychological and practical considerations at an individual level can influence sustainable choices more than environmental concerns alone.
Davis Pier’s comprehensive Literature Review, Research Insights and Policy Insights reports have been published, each describing the implications and recommendations for nudging Atlantic Canada’s energy transition towards net zero. Click the links below to learn more.
