Behavioral Economics of Climate Action

Climate change is among the largest threats to humanity. The current gradual government action is insufficient in effectively reducing greenhouse gases (GHG) pollution. In fact, at the current emission rate, the global mean temperature is expected to exceed not only the 1.5°C, but also the 2°C target, which may trigger irreversible catastrophic climate change events. Thus, urgent climate action is required at all levels, from bottom-up initiated by individuals, business corporations, NGO’s, and civil society organizations, to top-down in the international and national levels.

Behavioral economics uses insights from psychology and behavioral science to explain economic decisions. Randomized controlled trial experiments with human participants can test models of decision making and also shed light on the obstacles and on potential solutions for climate change.  In this special issue we encourage high-quality original contributions from behavioral and experimental economics that explore the reasons for insufficient climate actions, and also the motives and conditions for promising actions that could help mitigate pollution and overcome climate change. In addition, behavioral research on adaptation strategies that could help overcome the devastating consequences of climate change is also welcome. Studies could investigate behavior of different actors, governments, NGOs, civil society organizations, as well as business corporations, and individuals.

We will accept original research articles on the behavioral economics of climate action and climate change (these could include theoretical modeling, experiments, and empirical analysis).  We will also accept systematic and narrative review articles that fill in gaps in the literature or bring new perspectives. Finally, we will accept short perspective articles, presenting a commentary on key issues and debates. These should be be written in an accessible, non-technical style.

You may submit an abstract with a suggestion for an article (the deadline for an Abstract submission is May 31, 2023) or a full article (the deadline is October 31, 2023).

The type of submissions we will accept are:

• Research Articles (presenting original research; 3,000-9,000 words)
• Review Articles (presenting the state of knowledge on a given topic; 3,000-6,000 words)
• Perspective Articles (presenting a commentary on key issues and debates; until 3,000 words)

For the submission of abstract please use the “presubmission inquiry” option.

In case of an Abstract submission, the abstract should state the article expected contribution, the literature gap it addresses, and the research method used. It should also state whether it is a Research article, a Review, or a Perspective article. Abstract submission is a two-stage process. This is a adequate if the authors have an idea, but are not sure whether this idea would fit the scope of the special issue. In the first stage an abstract is submitted by May 31 and will be peer reviewed. If asked to submit a full paper by October 31, the authors should write the proposed article that if follows its premise will be accepted for publication in the special issue (however, subject to possible revision rounds).

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 13.

About the Journal

npj Climate Action is an open-access journal that publishes high-quality original research, reviews, perspective articles, and case studies targeted at an audience of researchers and diverse stakeholders who are interested in mitigating the hazardous effects of global climate change. It aims to build a bridge between science and action toward scientifically informed policies at local and global levels. The journal’s scope covers transdisciplinary research from social and physical sciences, combining political, environmental, socio-economic, and behavioral science, with a particular focus on climate change mitigation; climate governance, and existing action plans; their feasibility (but also limitations) in the different regions of the world. Please read the editorial introducing Climate Action for more information about the journal and follow us on Twitter.

APC WAIVERS

npj Climate Action offers APC waivers. Check here and contact us.