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Steve Westlake

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Research Fellow, Climate Leadership, Cardiff University

My recently completed PhD investigates the role of leading by example to promote low-carbon pro-environmental behaviour and change social norms. Social influence is well know to have a strong affect on others' behaviour and what is deemed normal. I therefore explore how those in high-profile leadership positions can wield influence by visibly adopting low-carbon behaviours themselves. In addition I investigate the public 'appetite' for such leadership. The focus of the research is on high-impact behaviours such as flying, eating meat and car driving. In short, leading by example encourages others to act and increases leader credibility.

Experience

  • 2023–present
    Research associate, Cardiff University
  • 2022–2023
    Knowledge exchange associate, University of Bath
  • 2018–2023
    PhD researcher - low-carbon leadership, Cardiff University
  • 2016–2018
    Communications Officer, Committee on Climate Change

Education

  • 2023 
    Cardiff University, PhD Environmental Psychology
  • 2017 
    Birkbeck University of London, MSc Climate Change Management