- Lecturer, Environmental Psychology, University of Bath
My research explores pro-environmental behaviour change and climate leadership, specifically how leading by example with high-impact, low-carbon actions can influence others' behaviours and attitudes towards climate change.
For instance, when high-profile leaders such as politicians, celebrities and CEOs change their lifestyles because of climate change, how does this affect our thinking and our actions? In contrast, if climate leaders travel by private jets or helicopters when there are practical lower-carbon options available, how does this impact their leadership credibility and the speed of the societal shift to low-carbon living?
My research shows that leading by example sends powerful psychological signals that encourage others to follow-suit, while greatly increasing leader credibility and approval ratings. The research provides insights into how social influence and leadership can feed into the necessary and rapid transition to more sustainable lifestyles, contributing to ongoing debates about “individual action versus systems change”.
I am an affiliate of the Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST), and the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research.
Experience
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2025–presentLecturer, University of Bath
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2023–2025Research fellow, Cardiff University
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2022–2023Research associate, Lancaster University
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2022–2023Knowledge exchange associate, University of Bath
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2018–2023PhD researcher - low-carbon leadership, Cardiff University
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2016–2018Communications Officer, Committee on Climate Change
Education
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2023Cardiff University, PhD Environmental Psychology
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2017Birkbeck University of London, MSc Climate Change Management
Grants and Contracts
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2023ESRC Post-doctoral Fellowship
- Role:
- Research Fellow
- Funding Source:
- UKRI - ESRC
Contact Steve for
- General
- Media request
- Speaking request
- Consulting / Advising
- Research collaboration
- Research supervision
