TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Many of us have taken steps to help the environment. This could mean driving less, saving energy, or even changing our diets. These personal choices reflect a commitment to sustainability. Yet, a recent study in “Nature Sustainability” highlights an unexpected trend: when governments impose these behaviors as mandatory, public support often shrinks.
Researchers from the Santa Fe Institute, including Katrin Schmelz, found that heavy-handed regulations can actually dampen people’s motivation to engage in climate actions. Schmelz explained that when rules come from authorities, they can reshape people’s core values. This phenomenon, known as “crowding out,” happens when external controls diminish intrinsic motivation. When people feel their freedom is restricted, they may resist the very policies designed to protect the planet.
In comparing this to COVID-19 mandates, the researchers found that opposition to climate policies was 52% higher than to pandemic measures. This insight serves as a crucial lesson for policymakers: coercion is not a reliable strategy.
Effective climate policies should respect individual choice. For example, rather than outright bans on cars, creating efficient public transportation options first can foster cooperation. Trust in the effectiveness of policies also plays a role. When people believe that regulations will truly lead to emissions reduction, support is more likely to grow.
Interestingly, a recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center found that 65% of respondents support climate action when they see tangible benefits. This suggests that clear communication around the effectiveness of policies can lead to higher acceptance.
In summary, while individual efforts to combat climate change are admirable, collective action requires a different approach. Policies that empower people, rather than restrict them, will likely see greater success in the long run.
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Climate, Environment, public, policy
