It had a somewhat loose form (it was, after all, a trial…) but a fairly tight grasp: if you behave in an environmentally friendly way, then you will be rewarded. CopenPay was tested this year in Copenhagen, and it is a social credit scheme, one of those that cause suspicion (or even curses) when applied in China but rather cheerfully tolerated when applied in the civilized West.
It concerned tourists. If you could prove that as a visitor your actions and deeds were “green” (for example, if you used a bicycle or public transport for your travels; if you volunteered in an urban garden or in cleaning the sea at the harbor…), you would receive various rewards: free entry to sights, complimentary meals, etc. A city map showed the 24 options that were available; the specifications for each instance of “climate-friendly” behavior; and the type of rewards.
The program was not mandatory. The Danish government stated that it would study the results and return next year. But here too it holds true that “there are no free lunches” in capitalism!! The behaviorism that guides such schemes is in power. And this means that when the “good” (based on approved specifications) is rewarded, the “bad” is punished.
So, should we not be “green”? Let us be decent and respectful towards people and the environment – but without bribes! Without recordings!!! And with clear class enemies!
Does it bother you? Yes…