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.
And if you're really keen, here's a PhD on low-carbon leading by example... 😅
"The power of leading by example with high-impact low-carbon behaviour: emulation, trust, credibility, justice"
orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/15...
"The power of leading by example with high-impact low-carbon behaviour: emulation, trust, credibility, justice"
orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/15...
January 12, 2026 at 1:30 PM
And if you're really keen, here's a PhD on low-carbon leading by example... 😅
"The power of leading by example with high-impact low-carbon behaviour: emulation, trust, credibility, justice"
orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/15...
"The power of leading by example with high-impact low-carbon behaviour: emulation, trust, credibility, justice"
orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/15...
Journal article here showing people really want to see leaders leading by example on climate... www.nature.com/articles/s41...
January 12, 2026 at 12:55 PM
Journal article here showing people really want to see leaders leading by example on climate... www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Extreme inequality in personal carbon emissions is a massive issue. Addressing is matter of justice and, crucially, is essential for achieving buy-in for climate policies.
Perhaps understandable this is not a fight Polanski is choosing right now.
6/6
Perhaps understandable this is not a fight Polanski is choosing right now.
6/6
January 12, 2026 at 12:42 PM
Extreme inequality in personal carbon emissions is a massive issue. Addressing is matter of justice and, crucially, is essential for achieving buy-in for climate policies.
Perhaps understandable this is not a fight Polanski is choosing right now.
6/6
Perhaps understandable this is not a fight Polanski is choosing right now.
6/6
His behaviour signals what he thinks is appropriate personal action in a climate emergency, while acknowledging others' circumstances, and not directly telling anyone what to do (which few of us enjoy).
But leading by example on climate is crucial and powerful...
3/
But leading by example on climate is crucial and powerful...
3/
January 12, 2026 at 12:42 PM
His behaviour signals what he thinks is appropriate personal action in a climate emergency, while acknowledging others' circumstances, and not directly telling anyone what to do (which few of us enjoy).
But leading by example on climate is crucial and powerful...
3/
But leading by example on climate is crucial and powerful...
3/
Final speaker is Tessa Khan on the energy transition:
"New technologies are vastly more efficient than burning fossil fuels.
In the 1960s the UK transformed its energy system, and we can do it again - in a way that is genuinely just.
We must seize this opportunity"
"New technologies are vastly more efficient than burning fossil fuels.
In the 1960s the UK transformed its energy system, and we can do it again - in a way that is genuinely just.
We must seize this opportunity"
November 27, 2025 at 11:23 AM
Final speaker is Tessa Khan on the energy transition:
"New technologies are vastly more efficient than burning fossil fuels.
In the 1960s the UK transformed its energy system, and we can do it again - in a way that is genuinely just.
We must seize this opportunity"
"New technologies are vastly more efficient than burning fossil fuels.
In the 1960s the UK transformed its energy system, and we can do it again - in a way that is genuinely just.
We must seize this opportunity"
Angela Francis on economics and vested interests:
"The fossil fuel companies buy lobbyists, media space, even politicians.
The companies of the future get crowded out.
But the costs of inaction are far greater than the costs of action.
And the UK can make a difference."
"The fossil fuel companies buy lobbyists, media space, even politicians.
The companies of the future get crowded out.
But the costs of inaction are far greater than the costs of action.
And the UK can make a difference."
November 27, 2025 at 11:12 AM
Angela Francis on economics and vested interests:
"The fossil fuel companies buy lobbyists, media space, even politicians.
The companies of the future get crowded out.
But the costs of inaction are far greater than the costs of action.
And the UK can make a difference."
"The fossil fuel companies buy lobbyists, media space, even politicians.
The companies of the future get crowded out.
But the costs of inaction are far greater than the costs of action.
And the UK can make a difference."
Powerful message on national security from Lt Gen Richard Nugee
"We are not yet acting as if peace and tackling climate change are two sides of the same coin.
Cascading risks mean we face instability at home, the potential of an ungovernable state, the very breakdown of the norms of society."
"We are not yet acting as if peace and tackling climate change are two sides of the same coin.
Cascading risks mean we face instability at home, the potential of an ungovernable state, the very breakdown of the norms of society."
November 27, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Powerful message on national security from Lt Gen Richard Nugee
"We are not yet acting as if peace and tackling climate change are two sides of the same coin.
Cascading risks mean we face instability at home, the potential of an ungovernable state, the very breakdown of the norms of society."
"We are not yet acting as if peace and tackling climate change are two sides of the same coin.
Cascading risks mean we face instability at home, the potential of an ungovernable state, the very breakdown of the norms of society."
Emergency message from Prof Hugh Montgomery, an emergency doctor:
"The climate emergency is absolutely a heath emergency and it's about time we started treating it as one.
The social determinants of health are what scares the living daylights out of me if we don't stop climate change."
"The climate emergency is absolutely a heath emergency and it's about time we started treating it as one.
The social determinants of health are what scares the living daylights out of me if we don't stop climate change."
November 27, 2025 at 10:47 AM
Emergency message from Prof Hugh Montgomery, an emergency doctor:
"The climate emergency is absolutely a heath emergency and it's about time we started treating it as one.
The social determinants of health are what scares the living daylights out of me if we don't stop climate change."
"The climate emergency is absolutely a heath emergency and it's about time we started treating it as one.
The social determinants of health are what scares the living daylights out of me if we don't stop climate change."
Prof Paul Behrens crystal clear on food and diet: @profpaulbehrens.bsky.social
"We need a great food transformation. That means far less meat and dairy.
I know it's politically difficult, but we have to be honest.
When families can't feed their children, society breaks down."
"We need a great food transformation. That means far less meat and dairy.
I know it's politically difficult, but we have to be honest.
When families can't feed their children, society breaks down."
November 27, 2025 at 10:32 AM
Prof Paul Behrens crystal clear on food and diet: @profpaulbehrens.bsky.social
"We need a great food transformation. That means far less meat and dairy.
I know it's politically difficult, but we have to be honest.
When families can't feed their children, society breaks down."
"We need a great food transformation. That means far less meat and dairy.
I know it's politically difficult, but we have to be honest.
When families can't feed their children, society breaks down."
Prof Tim Lenton tells MPs about the risks of Tipping Points, particularly the AMOC ocean current:
"It will cause a water and food crisis in the UK, and a global food crisis.
So we need a radical acceleration of action towards emissions reduction.
There are positive tipping points too..."
"It will cause a water and food crisis in the UK, and a global food crisis.
So we need a radical acceleration of action towards emissions reduction.
There are positive tipping points too..."
November 27, 2025 at 10:15 AM
Prof Tim Lenton tells MPs about the risks of Tipping Points, particularly the AMOC ocean current:
"It will cause a water and food crisis in the UK, and a global food crisis.
So we need a radical acceleration of action towards emissions reduction.
There are positive tipping points too..."
"It will cause a water and food crisis in the UK, and a global food crisis.
So we need a radical acceleration of action towards emissions reduction.
There are positive tipping points too..."
Next up Prof Hayley Fowler gives a scary update on the rise and risks of extreme weather.
"It's sobering to think this is the least extreme climate we will live in during our lifetimes. It will continue to get worse until we cut emissions. We must act now."
"It's sobering to think this is the least extreme climate we will live in during our lifetimes. It will continue to get worse until we cut emissions. We must act now."
November 27, 2025 at 10:05 AM
Next up Prof Hayley Fowler gives a scary update on the rise and risks of extreme weather.
"It's sobering to think this is the least extreme climate we will live in during our lifetimes. It will continue to get worse until we cut emissions. We must act now."
"It's sobering to think this is the least extreme climate we will live in during our lifetimes. It will continue to get worse until we cut emissions. We must act now."
Professor Kevin Anderson delivers some granite hard truths @kevinclimate.bsky.social
"We need profound shifts in our social norms.
It is too late for non-radical solutions.
The UK is emitting far more than its fair share of greenhouse gases.
We need deep cuts in energy use."
"We need profound shifts in our social norms.
It is too late for non-radical solutions.
The UK is emitting far more than its fair share of greenhouse gases.
We need deep cuts in energy use."
November 27, 2025 at 9:54 AM
Professor Kevin Anderson delivers some granite hard truths @kevinclimate.bsky.social
"We need profound shifts in our social norms.
It is too late for non-radical solutions.
The UK is emitting far more than its fair share of greenhouse gases.
We need deep cuts in energy use."
"We need profound shifts in our social norms.
It is too late for non-radical solutions.
The UK is emitting far more than its fair share of greenhouse gases.
We need deep cuts in energy use."
Professor Nathalie Seddon lays out the economic and moral case for protecting nature.
"We must treat nature as critical infrastructure, and treat it as kin. We must stop funding harm. We must cultivate a culture of care. The majority of the public strongly supports nature protection."
"We must treat nature as critical infrastructure, and treat it as kin. We must stop funding harm. We must cultivate a culture of care. The majority of the public strongly supports nature protection."
November 27, 2025 at 9:38 AM
Professor Nathalie Seddon lays out the economic and moral case for protecting nature.
"We must treat nature as critical infrastructure, and treat it as kin. We must stop funding harm. We must cultivate a culture of care. The majority of the public strongly supports nature protection."
"We must treat nature as critical infrastructure, and treat it as kin. We must stop funding harm. We must cultivate a culture of care. The majority of the public strongly supports nature protection."
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"
Thanks again to co-author Rebecca Willis @bankfieldbecky.bsky.social and The Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST) for funding our research @cast-centre.bsky.social
Access it here... 🙏https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10584-025-03987-4
Access it here... 🙏https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10584-025-03987-4
September 5, 2025 at 3:33 PM
Thanks again to co-author Rebecca Willis @bankfieldbecky.bsky.social and The Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST) for funding our research @cast-centre.bsky.social
Access it here... 🙏https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10584-025-03987-4
Access it here... 🙏https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10584-025-03987-4
Co-author Rebecca Willis @bankfieldbecky.bsky.social and I interviewed MPs and NGOs to see what’s changed in a turbulent 5 year of UK climate politics.
We found that climate is now mainstream for UK politicians: they speak openly about climate change.
But...
2/
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
We found that climate is now mainstream for UK politicians: they speak openly about climate change.
But...
2/
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
September 5, 2025 at 3:33 PM
Co-author Rebecca Willis @bankfieldbecky.bsky.social and I interviewed MPs and NGOs to see what’s changed in a turbulent 5 year of UK climate politics.
We found that climate is now mainstream for UK politicians: they speak openly about climate change.
But...
2/
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
We found that climate is now mainstream for UK politicians: they speak openly about climate change.
But...
2/
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
On my way from #Cardiff to #Prague for the 1st International Conference on Social Identity and Leadership and Followership.
🚄Cardiff - London - Brussels (Eurostar) - Prague (sleeper) 🚄
Looking forward to presenting my climate leadership research and meeting inspiring colleagues 🙂
🚄Cardiff - London - Brussels (Eurostar) - Prague (sleeper) 🚄
Looking forward to presenting my climate leadership research and meeting inspiring colleagues 🙂
May 16, 2025 at 1:59 PM
Apologies! Forgot to include space tourism in this infographic... 😏
April 15, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Apologies! Forgot to include space tourism in this infographic... 😏
"The threats posed by fossil fuels to the climate, extreme weather to outdoor sport, and fossil-fuel sponsorship to the integrity of sport, converged on the recent Tour du Rwanda bicycle race"
Great infogrgaphic too...
Great infogrgaphic too...
March 5, 2025 at 8:32 AM
"The threats posed by fossil fuels to the climate, extreme weather to outdoor sport, and fossil-fuel sponsorship to the integrity of sport, converged on the recent Tour du Rwanda bicycle race"
Great infogrgaphic too...
Great infogrgaphic too...
Part of a leader's job is to shape people's identities and values, towards common goals.
This has been described as "identity entrepreneurship" (Haslam et al, 2020)
Heidi Alexander is detering people from having a pro-environmental identity by perpetuating a negative "eco-warrior" stereotype.
3/
This has been described as "identity entrepreneurship" (Haslam et al, 2020)
Heidi Alexander is detering people from having a pro-environmental identity by perpetuating a negative "eco-warrior" stereotype.
3/
February 27, 2025 at 10:58 AM
Part of a leader's job is to shape people's identities and values, towards common goals.
This has been described as "identity entrepreneurship" (Haslam et al, 2020)
Heidi Alexander is detering people from having a pro-environmental identity by perpetuating a negative "eco-warrior" stereotype.
3/
This has been described as "identity entrepreneurship" (Haslam et al, 2020)
Heidi Alexander is detering people from having a pro-environmental identity by perpetuating a negative "eco-warrior" stereotype.
3/
Yesterday the Climate Change Committee (CCC) said about 33% of the UK’s emissions cuts will require people to make “low-carbon choices”.
These low-carbon choices are much more likely if people have a pro-environmental identity, and believe others do too.
2/
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
These low-carbon choices are much more likely if people have a pro-environmental identity, and believe others do too.
2/
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
February 27, 2025 at 10:58 AM
Yesterday the Climate Change Committee (CCC) said about 33% of the UK’s emissions cuts will require people to make “low-carbon choices”.
These low-carbon choices are much more likely if people have a pro-environmental identity, and believe others do too.
2/
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
These low-carbon choices are much more likely if people have a pro-environmental identity, and believe others do too.
2/
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
While the language of fairness has all-but disappeared from the CCC's 7th CB report, they go big on "households". And they analyse distributional impacts based on income - in other words - who wins and who loses?
12/
12/
February 26, 2025 at 1:43 PM
While the language of fairness has all-but disappeared from the CCC's 7th CB report, they go big on "households". And they analyse distributional impacts based on income - in other words - who wins and who loses?
12/
12/
But in 2025, net zero is under fresh attack, so the CCC may be avoiding terminology that some see as polarising.
Indeed the CCC may have subsumed the terms "just" and "fair" into the more technocratic language of "distributional impacts" and "co-impacts".
Fairness by the back door perhaps?
11/
Indeed the CCC may have subsumed the terms "just" and "fair" into the more technocratic language of "distributional impacts" and "co-impacts".
Fairness by the back door perhaps?
11/
February 26, 2025 at 1:43 PM
But in 2025, net zero is under fresh attack, so the CCC may be avoiding terminology that some see as polarising.
Indeed the CCC may have subsumed the terms "just" and "fair" into the more technocratic language of "distributional impacts" and "co-impacts".
Fairness by the back door perhaps?
11/
Indeed the CCC may have subsumed the terms "just" and "fair" into the more technocratic language of "distributional impacts" and "co-impacts".
Fairness by the back door perhaps?
11/
Lord Deben's foreword to the 6th CB report said (p5):
"progress will be impossible if it is not just. Fairness in the transition to Net Zero is an essential constituent for its success."
8/
"progress will be impossible if it is not just. Fairness in the transition to Net Zero is an essential constituent for its success."
8/
February 26, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Lord Deben's foreword to the 6th CB report said (p5):
"progress will be impossible if it is not just. Fairness in the transition to Net Zero is an essential constituent for its success."
8/
"progress will be impossible if it is not just. Fairness in the transition to Net Zero is an essential constituent for its success."
8/
Now let's look at "fairness" and "just transition". This is quite striking:
"Just transition" was all over the 6th CB report in 2020 (52 mentions, and a dedicated chapter). But it has all but disappeared in the 7th CB report (just 1 mention).
Similar story for "fairness".
7/
"Just transition" was all over the 6th CB report in 2020 (52 mentions, and a dedicated chapter). But it has all but disappeared in the 7th CB report (just 1 mention).
Similar story for "fairness".
7/
February 26, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Now let's look at "fairness" and "just transition". This is quite striking:
"Just transition" was all over the 6th CB report in 2020 (52 mentions, and a dedicated chapter). But it has all but disappeared in the 7th CB report (just 1 mention).
Similar story for "fairness".
7/
"Just transition" was all over the 6th CB report in 2020 (52 mentions, and a dedicated chapter). But it has all but disappeared in the 7th CB report (just 1 mention).
Similar story for "fairness".
7/