Behaviour Change

As I was talking with my manager the other day about work related issues, I mentioned, the likely repeal of the Carbon Tax.
My manager, for whom I've always had a good relationship, immediately commented that taxing people was not a good way to change people's behaviour.
Now this surprised me, as public libraries survive on rates and local government regulations to provide the on-going funding for our services. In this case the population, as a whole, realize and approve of the taxation (rate). Public Libraries in Victoria have a very high approval rating and deliver services that can be measured as being worth more than their costs. The long term benefits of an informed and educated population have been effectively argued for a long time (see Thomas Jefferson quote), and are considered to be important in a democratic, open political system.

I have always felt the so-called Carbon Tax would be an effective mechanism in giving everyone the chance to rationally change their behaviour. Install more insulation and thus lower your power bills. Install solar panels and again lower your bills.
Not having a high electricity price does nothing to focus concern on this invisible substance called Carbon Dioxide. Giving handouts to polluters flies against the no-handout stance shown to struggling businesses like SPC, Holden etc.
Taxation & regulations however do not provide all the necessary levers to change behaviour. In an issue as complex as that of climate change, other mechanisms are absolutely necessary. We know the carrot can be more effective than the stick. Rebates encouraging insulation, solar panels and solar hot water spring to mind.
Their effectiveness has been demonstrated by the absolutely huge numbers of people taking up these offers.

Other mechanisms  include using social theory to encourage change and provide information. Mr Abbott's devastating use of simple messages has been hugely effective and us 'pro-climate' people need to replicate these simple, strong messages.
So a little research gave me this document. Changing Behaviour authored by the Australian Public Service.

Having a cost which is high enough to focus attention plus the tools and information to make a change, with leaders and communities is absolutely necessary.
Does repealing the Carbon Tax, dismantling the Clean Energy Financing mechanisms, stopping the RET and cutting off information on the real effects of climate change (Climate Council) sound like behaviour change? Reverse and perverse perhaps.
As the Public Service paper puts it
"A good example of a successful, comprehensive behavioural change strategy is Australia’s approach to tobacco control. There is a consensus in the Australian and international literature that a long-term and comprehensive approach to tobacco control is the most effective way of influencing the behaviour of smokers and potential smokers. Ad hoc, piecemeal action can have some impact but it is significantly more limited than a carefully planned, comprehensive, long-term approach encompassing education and information, legislation and restrictive measures and smoking cessation services. The comprehensive approach to tobacco control takes action in a range of areas using a range of policy tools. The effectiveness of the whole package is significantly greater than the sum of its parts."

So I'm off outside now to water my garden, parched with this excessive heat. Is this the heatwave we have to have or will that come again and again and again?

Tools of Change website (Canada)