Presented by Net Zero Atlantic and partner researchers
Achieving net-zero emissions requires not only technological advancements but also significant changes in human behaviours. We all have attitudes, values, and beliefs defining how we respond to a crisis. By incorporating a behavioural science lens to the work required to reach our targets, we can aim to ensure that the climate change mitigation solutions proposed are technically feasible, socially acceptable, and economically viable.
"Determining critical behavioural interventions for enabling an effective transition to net-zero emissions in Atlantic Canada" is a Net Zero Atlantic-led project involving academic partners across Atlantic Canada.
Join this webinar to hear a report from Net Zero Atlantic on the project’s progress and to explore how researchers will examine existing barriers and opportunities towards pro-climate behaviours.
To support the mandate of Canada’s Net-Zero Advisory Body related to research, this project was undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada. Funding was provided through the Environmental Damages Funds’ Climate Action and Awareness Fund, administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada.
The Net Zero Atlantic Webinar Series features engaging speakers with experience in areas of knowledge valuable to Atlantic Canada's advancement toward a net-zero future. Webinars are free and hosted on Zoom.
About the presenters and projects
Raquel Rosas, PhD
Associate at Davis Pier
Summary of Literature Review on Behavioural Science Interventions and Equity Considerations for Climate Change Mitigation
Raquel Rosas will present an overview of the main findings from a recent literature review on greenhouse gas contributions, evidence-based behavioural interventions applied to the climate crisis, and equity considerations for future actions.
Dr. Mary Beth Doucette
Purdy Crawford Chair in Aboriginal Business Studies, Assistant Professor, Cape Breton University
Exploring the Implications of "Rural" and Mi'kmaw Positioning in Net-Zero and Energy Adaptation Strategies
Mary Beth Doucette will discuss the value of being intentional about geography's role in research in and around Atlantic Canada and will explain why the project is focusing on transportation and infrastructure transition policies and their impact on Mi'kmaw populations.
Stanley Asah, PhD
Canada Research Chair in Human Dimensions of Cleaner Technologies, Professor, Dalhousie University
Understanding and Promoting the Adoption, Effective Use, and Diffusion of Household Heat Pumps and Solar Energy Applications
Stanley Asah will discuss his plan for exploring motivations, constraints and negotiation strategies for household solar energy applications. He will also explore the maladaptive use of energy-efficient heat pumps to inform more accurate estimates of costs and GHG emissions reductions.
Martin Day, PhD
Associate Professor of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland
Reducing Greenhouse Gas Lifestyle Behaviours
Martin Day will share how his team plans to survey individuals to assess their carbon footprints and provide personalized recommendations for everyday behaviours (e.g., driving and eating). He will discuss some of the potential psychological barriers involved and how the team will aim to address them through intervention.
David Foord, LLB, PhD
Associate Professor, Faculty of Management, University of New Brunswick
Behavioural and Social Practice Interventions for Net Zero Civic Transitions
David Foord will introduce a research project on policy barriers and enablers for reducing GHG emissions in transportation, energy, and infrastructure. Results will be used to model transportation in the City of Fredericton for 2030, 2040 and 2050. His team will also test interventions to promote sustainable lifestyles.
Lena Liang, PhD and Xiao Chen, PhD
Associate Professors, Faculty of Business, University of Prince Edward Island
Goal Setting and Priming Interventions to Promote Eco-Driving Behaviours
Lena Liang and Xiao Chen propose to utilize laboratory and field tests to investigate the efficacy of conscious goal-setting and subconscious goal-priming interventions when promoting eco-driving behaviours and addressing behaviours impacting fuel consumption and emissions.