Dr Steve Westlake
@steveclimate.bsky.social
Lecturer at the University of Bath researching the effects of leading by example with low-carbon behaviour. Particular interest in politicians, celebrities & CEOs.
Reposted by Dr Steve Westlake
This is huge: For the first time since the early 1970s, coal power generation has fallen in both China & India.
It undercuts claims that decarbonisation is pointless while they expand coal. Renewables are no longer just adding capacity — they’re displacing coal.
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
It undercuts claims that decarbonisation is pointless while they expand coal. Renewables are no longer just adding capacity — they’re displacing coal.
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Coal power generation falls in China and India for first time since 1970s
‘Historic’ moment in biggest coal-consuming countries could bring decline in global emissions, analysis says
www.theguardian.com
January 15, 2026 at 9:34 AM
This is huge: For the first time since the early 1970s, coal power generation has fallen in both China & India.
It undercuts claims that decarbonisation is pointless while they expand coal. Renewables are no longer just adding capacity — they’re displacing coal.
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
It undercuts claims that decarbonisation is pointless while they expand coal. Renewables are no longer just adding capacity — they’re displacing coal.
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Reposted by Dr Steve Westlake
Globally, no single day in 2025 was cooler than its 1991-2020 average.
climate.copernicus.eu/global-clima...
climate.copernicus.eu/global-clima...
January 14, 2026 at 12:44 PM
Globally, no single day in 2025 was cooler than its 1991-2020 average.
climate.copernicus.eu/global-clima...
climate.copernicus.eu/global-clima...
Reposted by Dr Steve Westlake
2025 was an exceptional year for the Earth's climate
⬆️ Warmest ocean heat content
⬆️ Tied as second warmest surface temps
⬆️ Second warmest troposphere
⬆️ Record high sea level and GHGs
⬇️ Record low winter Arctic ice
New State of the Climate over at Carbon Brief: www.carbonbrief.org/...
⬆️ Warmest ocean heat content
⬆️ Tied as second warmest surface temps
⬆️ Second warmest troposphere
⬆️ Record high sea level and GHGs
⬇️ Record low winter Arctic ice
New State of the Climate over at Carbon Brief: www.carbonbrief.org/...
January 14, 2026 at 2:53 PM
2025 was an exceptional year for the Earth's climate
⬆️ Warmest ocean heat content
⬆️ Tied as second warmest surface temps
⬆️ Second warmest troposphere
⬆️ Record high sea level and GHGs
⬇️ Record low winter Arctic ice
New State of the Climate over at Carbon Brief: www.carbonbrief.org/...
⬆️ Warmest ocean heat content
⬆️ Tied as second warmest surface temps
⬆️ Second warmest troposphere
⬆️ Record high sea level and GHGs
⬇️ Record low winter Arctic ice
New State of the Climate over at Carbon Brief: www.carbonbrief.org/...
Reposted by Dr Steve Westlake
This thread responds to Prof. Christian Dunn’s Telegraph piece on #climate communication.
I argue it misdiagnoses public disengagement, underplays escalating scientific risk, & reproduces a media narrative that has actively shaped, not merely reflected, public resistance to climate action 🧵
I argue it misdiagnoses public disengagement, underplays escalating scientific risk, & reproduces a media narrative that has actively shaped, not merely reflected, public resistance to climate action 🧵
January 13, 2026 at 8:58 AM
This thread responds to Prof. Christian Dunn’s Telegraph piece on #climate communication.
I argue it misdiagnoses public disengagement, underplays escalating scientific risk, & reproduces a media narrative that has actively shaped, not merely reflected, public resistance to climate action 🧵
I argue it misdiagnoses public disengagement, underplays escalating scientific risk, & reproduces a media narrative that has actively shaped, not merely reflected, public resistance to climate action 🧵
Reposted by Dr Steve Westlake
Themes from Steve's research are informing our new Climate Leadership Research Centre, led by Oxford University in partnership with Bath University : leadership.climate.ox.ac.uk
Oxford University Climate Leadership Research Centre
leadership.climate.ox.ac.uk
January 12, 2026 at 1:59 PM
Themes from Steve's research are informing our new Climate Leadership Research Centre, led by Oxford University in partnership with Bath University : leadership.climate.ox.ac.uk
Reposted by Dr Steve Westlake
Something we all knew intuitively: Leading by example, or walking the walk. We need to elect more principled representatives folks!
Research has found that people really want consistency between words and actions on climate change. Leaders who make low-carbon choices are more credible, liked, and trusted. The opposite is true too...
4/
theconversation.com/how-world-le...
4/
theconversation.com/how-world-le...
How world leaders’ high-carbon travel choices could delay climate action
Research shows people don’t take politicians seriously on climate change if they don’t seem fully committed.
theconversation.com
January 12, 2026 at 1:18 PM
Something we all knew intuitively: Leading by example, or walking the walk. We need to elect more principled representatives folks!
Reposted by Dr Steve Westlake
6/ Since high income often equates to high status, that gives wealthy people a disproportionate social & cultural influence
But as @steveclimate.bsky.social argues, they should be leading by example - not explicitly endorsing the most problematic behaviours and lifestyles
But as @steveclimate.bsky.social argues, they should be leading by example - not explicitly endorsing the most problematic behaviours and lifestyles
Politicians flying less or cutting out meat is ‘missing link’ in climate action
Exclusive: Study suggests people more willing to reduce own carbon footprint if they see leaders doing the same
www.theguardian.com
January 10, 2026 at 11:28 AM
6/ Since high income often equates to high status, that gives wealthy people a disproportionate social & cultural influence
But as @steveclimate.bsky.social argues, they should be leading by example - not explicitly endorsing the most problematic behaviours and lifestyles
But as @steveclimate.bsky.social argues, they should be leading by example - not explicitly endorsing the most problematic behaviours and lifestyles
A canny political and media strategy from @zackpolanski.bsky.social. Immediately he defuses climate delayers’ favourite cynical attack lines, and avoids headlines like “Polanski says you should never go on holiday, drive a car, or eat meat”.
But, crucially, he's leading by example...
1/🧵
But, crucially, he's leading by example...
1/🧵
People can still be an environmentalists if they drive, fly and eat meat, said @zackpolanski.bsky.social, the leader of the Green Party.
He also talked about social media, whether talks about the environment enough, nuclear power, IHT and farmers, Rosebank & more
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
He also talked about social media, whether talks about the environment enough, nuclear power, IHT and farmers, Rosebank & more
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
Zack Polanski: You can fly, drive, eat meat and still be green
The leader of the Greens wants to widen his party’s appeal and has triggered a surge in membership since his election
www.thetimes.com
January 12, 2026 at 12:42 PM
A canny political and media strategy from @zackpolanski.bsky.social. Immediately he defuses climate delayers’ favourite cynical attack lines, and avoids headlines like “Polanski says you should never go on holiday, drive a car, or eat meat”.
But, crucially, he's leading by example...
1/🧵
But, crucially, he's leading by example...
1/🧵
Reposted by Dr Steve Westlake
1/ Yes the globally wealthy have outsized emissions, and yes that’s a massive problem
But it’s actually only a small part of their devastating influence on the conditions that support life
🧵
But it’s actually only a small part of their devastating influence on the conditions that support life
🧵
January 10, 2026 at 11:28 AM
1/ Yes the globally wealthy have outsized emissions, and yes that’s a massive problem
But it’s actually only a small part of their devastating influence on the conditions that support life
🧵
But it’s actually only a small part of their devastating influence on the conditions that support life
🧵
This is scary. "Three of the five worst harvests on record have now occurred since 2020, leaving some farmers asking whether the growing impacts of the climate crisis are making it too financially risky to sow their crops." www.theguardian.com/environment/...
UK farmers lose £800m after heat and drought cause one of worst harvests on record
Many now concerned about ability to make living in fast-changing climate after one of worst grain harvests recorded
www.theguardian.com
December 4, 2025 at 8:16 AM
This is scary. "Three of the five worst harvests on record have now occurred since 2020, leaving some farmers asking whether the growing impacts of the climate crisis are making it too financially risky to sow their crops." www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Hard hitting words from Chris Packham to politicians and leaders at the National Emergency Briefing on climate and nature:
"You MUST listen to the science. We didn't just elect you. We've given you our trust. You are about to hear from leading scientists. I beseach you to hear their truth"
"You MUST listen to the science. We didn't just elect you. We've given you our trust. You are about to hear from leading scientists. I beseach you to hear their truth"
November 27, 2025 at 9:23 AM
Hard hitting words from Chris Packham to politicians and leaders at the National Emergency Briefing on climate and nature:
"You MUST listen to the science. We didn't just elect you. We've given you our trust. You are about to hear from leading scientists. I beseach you to hear their truth"
"You MUST listen to the science. We didn't just elect you. We've given you our trust. You are about to hear from leading scientists. I beseach you to hear their truth"
Reposted by Dr Steve Westlake
Huge news from the UK today: after UN climate talks in which there was a massive fight over language on fossil fuels, the UK government today announced that it will in fact be keeping many millions of barrels of oil & gas in the ground. Deeds rather than just words for a change! 🧵
November 26, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Huge news from the UK today: after UN climate talks in which there was a massive fight over language on fossil fuels, the UK government today announced that it will in fact be keeping many millions of barrels of oil & gas in the ground. Deeds rather than just words for a change! 🧵
🚨Looking forward to the National Emergency Briefing on the climate and nature crisis tomorrow🚨
👀Will be fascinating to see which political leaders attend to hear expertise from @kevinclimate.bsky.social @profpaulbehrens.bsky.social @angelaisfranc.bsky.social @mikebernerslee.bsky.social and more
👀Will be fascinating to see which political leaders attend to hear expertise from @kevinclimate.bsky.social @profpaulbehrens.bsky.social @angelaisfranc.bsky.social @mikebernerslee.bsky.social and more
With more amazing speakers announced, make sure your MP is coming along to the National Emergency Briefing on 27th November. Link below.
www.nebriefing.org
#climatecrisis #netzero #NEB2025 #cop30
www.nebriefing.org
#climatecrisis #netzero #NEB2025 #cop30
November 26, 2025 at 9:28 PM
🚨Looking forward to the National Emergency Briefing on the climate and nature crisis tomorrow🚨
👀Will be fascinating to see which political leaders attend to hear expertise from @kevinclimate.bsky.social @profpaulbehrens.bsky.social @angelaisfranc.bsky.social @mikebernerslee.bsky.social and more
👀Will be fascinating to see which political leaders attend to hear expertise from @kevinclimate.bsky.social @profpaulbehrens.bsky.social @angelaisfranc.bsky.social @mikebernerslee.bsky.social and more
Please attend this crucial briefing @annamcmorrin.bsky.social
We are in a climate and nature crisis and need our leaders to step up.
We are in a climate and nature crisis and need our leaders to step up.
#COP30 has failed to deliver. Over 1,000 scientists now urge all MPs to attend the UK National Emergency Briefing on the #climate & #nature crisis.
"Without much more urgent and decisive action, we risk seeing these impacts overwhelm our capacity to respond."
www.nebriefing.org/open-letter
"Without much more urgent and decisive action, we risk seeing these impacts overwhelm our capacity to respond."
www.nebriefing.org/open-letter
National Emergency Briefing
An unfiltered assessment of the latest threats to UK food supply, health and national security from eight leading experts to an invitation-only audience - also covering positive solutions. Westminster...
www.nebriefing.org
November 25, 2025 at 12:56 PM
Please attend this crucial briefing @annamcmorrin.bsky.social
We are in a climate and nature crisis and need our leaders to step up.
We are in a climate and nature crisis and need our leaders to step up.
Reposted by Dr Steve Westlake
'Iran’s capital must be moved because the country “no longer has a choice,” President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Thursday in remarks carried by state media, warning that severe ecological strain has made Tehran impossible to sustain'
#Iran 🇮🇷
#Iran 🇮🇷
Iran president says capital move now a necessity as water crisis deepens
Iran’s capital must be moved because the country “no longer has a choice,” President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Thursday in remarks carried by state media, warning that severe ecological strain has mad...
www.iranintl.com
November 21, 2025 at 4:52 AM
'Iran’s capital must be moved because the country “no longer has a choice,” President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Thursday in remarks carried by state media, warning that severe ecological strain has made Tehran impossible to sustain'
#Iran 🇮🇷
#Iran 🇮🇷
Reposted by Dr Steve Westlake
Pretty remarkable how high Australia sits on the scale for lifestyle carbon emissions globally - and how little this gets mentioned in domestic climate discourse.
hotorcool.org/publications...
hotorcool.org/publications...
November 18, 2025 at 6:00 AM
Pretty remarkable how high Australia sits on the scale for lifestyle carbon emissions globally - and how little this gets mentioned in domestic climate discourse.
hotorcool.org/publications...
hotorcool.org/publications...
Reposted by Dr Steve Westlake
There are over 1️⃣6️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ gas & oil lobbyists at COP30 👇
What a shocking failure. Would you allow tobacco lobbyists into a world health conference?
There will be 0️⃣ lobbyists at the National Emergency Briefing on the #climate and #nature crisis on 27th November.
Is your MP attending? www.nebriefing.org
What a shocking failure. Would you allow tobacco lobbyists into a world health conference?
There will be 0️⃣ lobbyists at the National Emergency Briefing on the #climate and #nature crisis on 27th November.
Is your MP attending? www.nebriefing.org
November 16, 2025 at 8:32 AM
There are over 1️⃣6️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ gas & oil lobbyists at COP30 👇
What a shocking failure. Would you allow tobacco lobbyists into a world health conference?
There will be 0️⃣ lobbyists at the National Emergency Briefing on the #climate and #nature crisis on 27th November.
Is your MP attending? www.nebriefing.org
What a shocking failure. Would you allow tobacco lobbyists into a world health conference?
There will be 0️⃣ lobbyists at the National Emergency Briefing on the #climate and #nature crisis on 27th November.
Is your MP attending? www.nebriefing.org
Reposted by Dr Steve Westlake
𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀! Want to join @chrisgpackham.bsky.social in supporting the National Emergency Briefing on Climate & Nature?
🖋️ 𝙋𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙣 𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 urging MPs to attend: lnkd.in/ecGDM3Ry
🖋️ 𝙋𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙣 𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 urging MPs to attend: lnkd.in/ecGDM3Ry
We're delighted that tireless advocate for the natural world, @chrisgpackham.bsky.social CBE, will be opening the National Emergency Briefing in Westminster Central Hall on 27th November.
Chris speaking with @bbclaurak.bsky.social earlier👇
Please make sure your MP is attending: nebriefing.org
#NEB
Chris speaking with @bbclaurak.bsky.social earlier👇
Please make sure your MP is attending: nebriefing.org
#NEB
November 10, 2025 at 11:17 AM
𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀! Want to join @chrisgpackham.bsky.social in supporting the National Emergency Briefing on Climate & Nature?
🖋️ 𝙋𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙣 𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 urging MPs to attend: lnkd.in/ecGDM3Ry
🖋️ 𝙋𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙣 𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 urging MPs to attend: lnkd.in/ecGDM3Ry
Reposted by Dr Steve Westlake
World leaders punch back at US climate denial ahead of Brazil's COP30 negotiations
Country leaders at a climate summit in Brazil on Thursday bemoaned the fractured global consensus on climate action, taking swipes at the climate-denying U.S. government.
buff.ly/aM4Pscu
Country leaders at a climate summit in Brazil on Thursday bemoaned the fractured global consensus on climate action, taking swipes at the climate-denying U.S. government.
buff.ly/aM4Pscu
buff.ly
November 9, 2025 at 11:00 AM
World leaders punch back at US climate denial ahead of Brazil's COP30 negotiations
Country leaders at a climate summit in Brazil on Thursday bemoaned the fractured global consensus on climate action, taking swipes at the climate-denying U.S. government.
buff.ly/aM4Pscu
Country leaders at a climate summit in Brazil on Thursday bemoaned the fractured global consensus on climate action, taking swipes at the climate-denying U.S. government.
buff.ly/aM4Pscu
Reposted by Dr Steve Westlake
1. This is a thread on freedom, and how easy it is to lose.
Over the past 2,000 years in Europe, there have been few periods and places of freedom. For much of the time we lived under highly oppressive tyrannies of various kinds, whether small or grand, local or imperial, secular or religious.🧵
Over the past 2,000 years in Europe, there have been few periods and places of freedom. For much of the time we lived under highly oppressive tyrannies of various kinds, whether small or grand, local or imperial, secular or religious.🧵
November 7, 2025 at 6:35 AM
1. This is a thread on freedom, and how easy it is to lose.
Over the past 2,000 years in Europe, there have been few periods and places of freedom. For much of the time we lived under highly oppressive tyrannies of various kinds, whether small or grand, local or imperial, secular or religious.🧵
Over the past 2,000 years in Europe, there have been few periods and places of freedom. For much of the time we lived under highly oppressive tyrannies of various kinds, whether small or grand, local or imperial, secular or religious.🧵
Reposted by Dr Steve Westlake
I've finally got around to curating a selection of films about the #climate crisis 🎥
There's lot of mediocre climate films out there, but for me these stand out head & shoulders above the rest 🎞️
They make excellent resources for classrooms, lecture halls, or community cinema's 🎬
Thread:🧵Plz RT
There's lot of mediocre climate films out there, but for me these stand out head & shoulders above the rest 🎞️
They make excellent resources for classrooms, lecture halls, or community cinema's 🎬
Thread:🧵Plz RT
November 1, 2025 at 10:17 AM
I've finally got around to curating a selection of films about the #climate crisis 🎥
There's lot of mediocre climate films out there, but for me these stand out head & shoulders above the rest 🎞️
They make excellent resources for classrooms, lecture halls, or community cinema's 🎬
Thread:🧵Plz RT
There's lot of mediocre climate films out there, but for me these stand out head & shoulders above the rest 🎞️
They make excellent resources for classrooms, lecture halls, or community cinema's 🎬
Thread:🧵Plz RT
Great thread on Universities and the climate crisis. Lays out the problem, and the way forward.
I was recently invited to present my thoughts on the role of universities in the #climate crisis
Several audience members asked that I share my slides, so I've decided to post them here too as an open resource
I'd love any feedback, & for you to share examples of projects & best practice.
Long 🧵😊
Several audience members asked that I share my slides, so I've decided to post them here too as an open resource
I'd love any feedback, & for you to share examples of projects & best practice.
Long 🧵😊
October 26, 2025 at 7:45 AM
Great thread on Universities and the climate crisis. Lays out the problem, and the way forward.
Reposted by Dr Steve Westlake
🔥 The never-ending narrative…
This week, I’ve once again heard prominent climate researchers dismiss individual action as either irrelevant or a distraction instigated by the fossil fuel industry.
Here’s a 🧵 on why this argument frustrates me to no end and why I think it misses the bigger picture.
This week, I’ve once again heard prominent climate researchers dismiss individual action as either irrelevant or a distraction instigated by the fossil fuel industry.
Here’s a 🧵 on why this argument frustrates me to no end and why I think it misses the bigger picture.
October 15, 2025 at 11:50 AM
🔥 The never-ending narrative…
This week, I’ve once again heard prominent climate researchers dismiss individual action as either irrelevant or a distraction instigated by the fossil fuel industry.
Here’s a 🧵 on why this argument frustrates me to no end and why I think it misses the bigger picture.
This week, I’ve once again heard prominent climate researchers dismiss individual action as either irrelevant or a distraction instigated by the fossil fuel industry.
Here’s a 🧵 on why this argument frustrates me to no end and why I think it misses the bigger picture.
Reposted by Dr Steve Westlake
It's the 'Scientists Responsibility Summit' today.
Here's a live thread with some take aways from each talk... 🧵
Here's a live thread with some take aways from each talk... 🧵
Tomorrow: Scientists Responsibility Summit!
What is the appropriate stance of scientists in the polycrisis? Let's develop practical paths for a transformative role of academia.
🏛️Attend in-person at HU Berlin: blogs.fu-berlin.de/scientistsre...
💻 Streaming (Webex): tinyurl.com/nh5kpt4e
What is the appropriate stance of scientists in the polycrisis? Let's develop practical paths for a transformative role of academia.
🏛️Attend in-person at HU Berlin: blogs.fu-berlin.de/scientistsre...
💻 Streaming (Webex): tinyurl.com/nh5kpt4e
October 11, 2025 at 8:56 AM
It's the 'Scientists Responsibility Summit' today.
Here's a live thread with some take aways from each talk... 🧵
Here's a live thread with some take aways from each talk... 🧵
Reposted by Dr Steve Westlake
5/ I found it interesting that both speakers repeatedly stressed the need to question deep assumptions about how we think about the future, & how our imaginations are constrained by the past & by the present.
I explore more about the importance of imaginaries for supporting social change in this 🧵
I explore more about the importance of imaginaries for supporting social change in this 🧵
5/ Here I'm going to draw on the concept of Socio-Technical Imaginaries.
An academic term for how we imagine the future through 'collectively held visions & aspirations about desirable futures, particularly how scientific & technological advancements will shape social life and order'
An academic term for how we imagine the future through 'collectively held visions & aspirations about desirable futures, particularly how scientific & technological advancements will shape social life and order'
October 11, 2025 at 9:25 AM
5/ I found it interesting that both speakers repeatedly stressed the need to question deep assumptions about how we think about the future, & how our imaginations are constrained by the past & by the present.
I explore more about the importance of imaginaries for supporting social change in this 🧵
I explore more about the importance of imaginaries for supporting social change in this 🧵