Logo image
Climate change education through the lens of behavioral economics: A systematic review of studies on observed behavior and social norms
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Climate change education through the lens of behavioral economics: A systematic review of studies on observed behavior and social norms

Fabio Galeotti, Astrid Hopfensitz and César Mantilla
Ecological Economics, Vol.226, 108338
01/12/2024

Abstract

Climate change education systematic review children and young people social norms pro-environmental behavior
We conduct a systematic review (SR) of the empirical literature on Climate Change Education (CCE) through the lens of behavioral economics. We focus on the effects of educational interventions on actual behaviors or beliefs regarding the prevalence or social acceptability of these behaviors. We identify 86 studies evaluating CCE interventions. Most of them employ pre-post evaluations, which are more susceptible to demand effects and social desirability bias. Almost all report positive effects in terms of pro-environmental outcomes. Only 19 studies look at the effects of CCE on actual behavior (mainly on recycling, trashing or energy saving) or norm-related beliefs. Most interventions involve activities aimed at engaging learners. Others focus on nudges (like stickers or posters). A minority is based on lectures, deliberative discussions, or science-based interactions. The SR reveals important gaps in the literature and potential tensions that can inform future research in behavioral ecological economics.
pdf
final-submission_ecol-economics2.16 MB
Embargoed Access, Embargo ends: 01/12/2026 CC BY-NC-ND V4.0
pdf
Climate change education through the lens of behavioral economics4.14 MB
Restricted Access

Metrics

22 Record Views

Details

InCites Highlights

These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this contribution

Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
International collaboration
Citation topics
6 Social Sciences
6.73 Social Psychology
6.73.1507 Pro-environmental Behavior
Web of Science research areas
Ecology
Economics
Environmental Sciences
Environmental Studies
Logo image