Christina Gravert

What do you research?

In my research, I study how insights from psychology and behavioral economics can enhance public policy. My core focus is improving decisionmaking to reduce society’s climate and environmental impact, as well as health choices and charitable giving. My research approach employs field experiments, conducted in collaboration with public authorities and private firms, allowing the study of real behavior. A significant part of my work is the understanding of ”nudging” as a policy tool, analyzing its costs, benefits, and limits relative to traditional methods like taxes and regulation. My aim is to bridge academia and policy implementation, shaping more sustainable and socially responsible decision-making.

Why is it so important?

Integrating behavioral economics into policy design is essential to accelerate the green transition. By leveraging behavioral insights, policymakers can craft strategies to encourage sustainable behavior in the most effective way. Rigorous testing and refinement of policies in real-world contexts by using field experiments offers valuable data on their actual impact and avoids spending time on implementing ineffective policies. As some of my work has shown, there is also a risk of unintended consequences of nudges. By working on understanding the mechanisms why or why not policies have the intended effect on behavior the right tools can be selected for a given desired outcome.

A project you are proud of?

I am currently working on the question of why we see so little action in the Danish consumer energy market. Most people never switch their energy supplier despite many options on the market and regulation making it easy to switch. Using a survey experiment sent out to 3% of the Danish working population and extensive administrative data, I am trying to understand the rational and irrational reasons for the observed inertia and whether information is sufficient to engage consumers to act. Bringing together the representative survey that gives insights into consumers knowledge and preferences and the enormous amounts of data from Danish smart meters which provides evidence on actual behavior will be the most comprehensive study of switching in the electricity market to date.

Updated September 2023

Through her participation in the Mary Centre’s Policy Fellowship Christina has among others worked with Sisse Norman Canguilhem, EVP Partnerships and Strategy, Rådet for Bæredygtigt Byggeri (Policy Fellowship 2023-24 – Green Transition), and Emilie Hvidtfeldt, Head of C40's Office in Copenhagen and Director of Climate Action Engagement (Policy Fellowship 2023-24 – Green Transition).