We live in an era in which civilization has become disconnected from nature, and we are trying to repair our planet with the same tools that destroyed it markets, competition, and symbolic rewards.
The real solution, in my opinion, is not to "motivate people to protect the environment" but to rebuild our relationship with it based on belonging and responsibility, not profit.
Some governments have begun to exploit and use green hydrogen which is considered a good clean energy source in addition to solar energy which has not been fully utilized to date.
Rebuilding relationship with universe
Yes, it is exactly that.
That is the motivation of connection, to protect it. The relationships are for sure important with nature, but the rewards for protecting it shouldn't be symbolic, they should be tangible. We should see the change, feel the change, and experience the wellbeing it brings.