Why forcing people to go green can backfire

Combating climate change can feel particularly difficult these days. Countries, states and municipalities across the globe are missing greenhouse emission reduction targets and, in the United States, President Donald J. Trump has rolled back key elements of his predecessor’s climate agenda. 

Given the trajectory, it might be tempting for pro-climate policy makers to turn to more aggressive measures of getting people to take action, such as mandates, bans or restrictions. People would then have to save the planet.