Using Behavioural Science for promoting Low-Carbon Lifestyles in the Global South

The Roundtable on Climate Action and Behavioural Science will bring together funders, practitioners, and sectoral leaders to discuss and share experiences on the role of behavioural science in adopting low-carbon lifestyles, and other climate-related actions.

The IEA’s Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario highlights that behavioural changes are essential to achieving global climate goals. For instance, moderating space heating by setting thermostats to 19–20°C could reduce global electricity demand by 160 TWh by 2030, with over 70% of this reduction occurring in advanced economies.

The discussion will draw on CSBC’s Low-Carbon Lifestyles (LCL) Program—the first-ever programme in India to apply behavioural science to encourage mitigation through everyday lifestyle choices in the areas of mobility, energy, food, and waste. It will showcase insights from diagnostic work and pilots conducted in cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Pune.

The LCL program focuses on four key areas:
– Urban mobility and transport (e.g., EV adoption, public transport, walking/cycling)
– Household energy use (e.g., rooftop solar, energy-efficient devices, electricity use)
– Material use and waste management
– Sustainable food consumption

The program identifies behavioural barriers and facilitators across urban cities in India, exploring the role of emotional appeal, social norms, choice architecture, incentives, and regulations in influencing individual and collective behaviours—shaping decision-making processes and driving more sustainable, health-conscious outcomes.

As part of this work, CSBC will also present findings from India’s first national norms survey on climate behaviours, offering a deeper understanding of how societal expectations influence sustainable choices.

The roundtable will host approximately 35 UK- and India-based participants, including funders, behavioural scientists, policymakers, and climate practitioners. It aims to spark dialogue on the potential of behavioural science to complement technical and policy solutions for climate action in the Global South—expanding its application beyond mitigation to adaptation and resilience.

Target Audience:
– Funders and philanthropic organisations
– Behavioural science practitioners and researchers
– Leaders in climate action, urban development, and low-carbon innovation
– Multilateral and development institutions focused on Global South strategies

Key Themes:
– Enhancing climate interventions through behavioural science
– Overcoming psychological and social barriers to sustainable choices
– Effective behavioural strategies for climate action
– The role of social norms in shaping climate behaviours in the Global South