Giving people a great deal of freedom over how they live their lives, in and of itself, lends much scope for the egoistically inclined to act upon their instincts and to seek advantage at the expense of others. One way in which they might do this is by using the findings of behavioural science in order to manipulate others in an exchange relationship. In such circumstances, harms – or negative externalities – will be imposed upon the manipulated. I argue in this chapter that where people or organisations use the behavioural influences to further their aims, or indeed where the behavioural influences cause others to forgo what could be easily won benefits, there exists an intellectual justification for behavioural-informed regulation – or, in other words, for budge interventions. In this chapter, I further discuss some of the relevant trade-offs that must be considered when deciding whether or not to regulate, and outline the parameters of the budge framework with a few illustrative examples.

The chapter outlines how behavioral insights can aid measures to enhance human rights. It introduces the origins of behavioral insights and explains how they can encourage positive behaviors, enhance access to service, and strengthen human rights institutions. The chapter goes on to examine the limitations of behavioural insights and to discuss the ethical implications of their use.

Human behaviour is a critical part of the conservation problem and its solution. I provide an introduction to behavioural science as it applies to conservation and the wider sustainability agenda and argue that conventional assumptions of behaviour are flawed. From this flawed perspective emerge common tools of regulation, economic incentives, value-based campaigns and awareness-raising efforts. While these have merit in the right circumstances, they can also fail or even backfire. A more nuanced account of behaviour puts more emphasis on the non-conscious and non-rational cognitive processes, as well the profound influence of our social and physical context. Drawing on insights from cognitive and social psychobiology, behavioural economics and nudge theory, I present a range of novel strategies for behaviour change which can supplement and improve conventional approaches, including harnessing emotion, meaning and narrative; leveraging social influence; nudging through manipulation of the 'choice architecture' (setting and framing); and designing more effective monetary and non-monetary incentives through the lens of behavioural science.