Media contributions
1Media contributions
Title Politicians flying less or cutting out meat is ‘missing link’ in climate action Degree of recognition International Media name/outlet The Guardian Media type Web Country/Territory UK United Kingdom Date 4/10/24 Description Exclusive: Study suggests people more willing to reduce own carbon footprint if they see leaders doing the same
Political leaders “walking the talk” on climate action by flying less or eating less meat could be a “crucial missing link” in fighting global heating, according to a study.
Researchers found that people are significantly more willing to reduce their own carbon footprint if they see leaders doing the same. The finding, by psychologists in the UK, was not a given, as green action by high-profile people can sometimes be dismissed as virtue-signalling.
The study also found that people were significantly less willing to change their behaviour when leaders do not lead by example. The former prime minister Rishi Sunak took 40 helicopter and small jet flights within the UK while in office, according to a freedom of information request by the Guardian.URL https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/04/politicians-flying-less-cutting-out-meat-missing-link-climate-action-study Persons Steve Westlake
Keywords
- Climate change
- Behaviour change
- Leadership