As climate change increases the frequency and severity of droughts, water utility companies and government officials are turning to behavioural interventions to get people to reduce their water use, but will it be enough?
Comparing how much water people use with their neighbours can nudge them to cut down
RossHelen editorial / Alamy Stock Photo
You have probably spotted one of these yourself: a neatly printed placard in your hotel room imploring you to reuse your towel. “Every day millions of gallons of water are used to wash towels that have only been used once,” it says, before going on to instruct you where to place your towel if you intend to reuse it (like a decent human being). Helpfully, your own brain adds the last bit.
We now know …