Behavioral Insights for the Green Transition

The Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region faces significant climate-related risks and promoting sustainable practices is crucial for long-term growth. Climate change is having a profound impact on the countries of the ECA region. ECA has some of the highest per capita carbon emissions in the world due to fossil-fuel-dependent, energy-intensive economies. The consequences of this dependency on the environment, coupled with rising energy prices in the region, signal a strong need for sustainable clean energy solutions (particularly in renewable energy) and transitions to less-energy-intensive technologies and practices. The World Bank’s ECA climate roadmap identifies transition risk as the biggest challenge facing the region, requiring critical action on areas related to energy, industry, transport, urban development, food, landscapes, and water. Addressing these areas will require a whole economic approach that considers the unique contributions of policy, financing, and people. This report provides valuable insights into the behavioral dimensions of climate change in the region, highlighting the need for tailored policies that address both individual and systemic barriers.