COP28 Reflection: Vision Without Execution is Hallucination

As COP28 concludes, a stark reality lingers: Earth confronts unprecedented climate challenges, demanding tangible actions. In the words of Thomas Edison, "Vision without execution is hallucination".

The event, as anticipated, presented ambitious resolutions designed to address the pressing global climate crisis. While these resolutions carry positive intent, a cloud of skepticism remains, driven by a historical pattern where commitments documented on paper frequently fail to materialize into substantive actions.

Professor Petteri Taalas, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), conveyed frustration over the lack of implementation. Despite decades of warnings from the scientific community, numerous reports, and dozens of climate conferences, he asserts that the world is still headed in the wrong direction.

Can We Nudge the World in the Right Direction?

Key at COP28 was the resolution to double energy efficiency—a pivotal step given that energy is a primary source of global greenhouse gas emissions. Adopting a bottom-up behavioural strategy is crucial, acknowledging that energy consumption, driven by necessity and habits, demands a nuanced approach rooted in a deep understanding of human behaviours.

To effectively shape behaviours, subtle nudges toward responsible energy consumption are vital for individuals and businesses. Interventions based on Behavioural Science principles and Nudge Theory can guide choices, reshape habits, overcome inertia, and position energy conservation as the preferred option.

From Vision to Action: A Call to Implementable Solutions

As COP28 draws to a close, it's time to pivot our focus from visionary resolutions to actionable steps. Embracing new thinking and integrating Nudge Theory along with behavioural principles into the global climate action agenda provides a promising avenue to bridge the gap between intent and execution.