Dr Lorraine Whitmarsh - BA Kent, MSc Bath, PhD Bath
Overview
Research Group:
Social Psychology
Location: Tower Building, Park Place
Email: WhitmarshLE@cardiff.ac.uk
Telephone: +44(0)29 208 76972
Research Summary
I am interested in the psychological and social dimensions of environmental, risk and sustainability issues. My research, which employs both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection and analysis, focuses on three main areas: (a) public engagement with climate change, carbon literacy, carbon offsetting, and low-carbon lifestyles; (b) public/stakeholder participation in sustainability science and policy; and (c) innovation, perceived risk and behaviour change with respect to sustainable transport and consumption.
As well as lecturing in psychology at Cardiff, I am partner coordinator for the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research and an associate of the ESRC Centre for Business Relationships, Accountability, Sustainability & Society (BRASS) and the Sustainable Places Research Institute at Cardiff University. In 2012, I was awarded a five-year research Fellowship from the university. I am a member of the Climate Change Commission for Wales. Other research helps to understand how social values get translated into action. This research is being undertaken in collaboration with colleagues in the Values in Action (ViA) Centre, at Cardiff University.
Teaching Summary
Levels 1 and 2: I run social psychology practicals (PS2007), and give tutorials on psychological research, social, developmental and abnormal psychology (supporting PS1014, PS2007, PS2008, PS2011).
Level 3: My lectures in PS3415 (Environmental Psychology) cover environmental attitudes and behaviour, risk perception and communication, and recycling and climate change case studies. I supervise projects in environmental psychology.
Postgraduate: I give two lectures on the Postgraduate Research Design and Statistics module for research students. The first introduces students to philosophical, ethical and analytical issues in psychological research; the other focuses on conducting mixed-methods research.
Selected Publications (2008 onwards)
2013
Whitmarsh, L. and Upham, P. (2013). Public responses to climate change and low-carbon energy. In: Roberts, T. et al. eds. Low-Carbon Energy Controversies. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge, pp. 14-43.
2012
Cipcigan, L. M., Wells, P. N. T., Nieuwenhuis, P. A. H. F., Davies, H. C. and Whitmarsh, L. E. (2012). Electricity as a transportation fuel: Bridging the gaps in the electric vehicle value chain. Presented at: EVVC-2012 European Electric Vehicle Congress, Brussels, Belgium, 19-22 November 2012.
Corner, A. J., Whitmarsh, L. E. and Xenias, D. (2012). Uncertainty, scepticism and attitudes towards climate change: biased assimilation and attitude polarisation. Climatic Change, 114(3-4), 463-478. (10.1007/s10584-012-0424-6)
Whitmarsh, L. E. (2012). How useful is the Multi-Level Perspective for transport and sustainability research?. Journal of Transport Geography, 24, 483-487. (10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2012.01.022)
2011
Poortinga, W., Spence, A., Whitmarsh, L. E., Capstick, S. B. and Pidgeon, N. F. (2011). Uncertain climate: An investigation into public scepticism about anthropogenic climate change. Global Environmental Change, 21(3), 1015-1024. (10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2011.03.001)
Whitmarsh, L. E., O'Neill, S. and Lorenzoni, I. (2011). Climate change or social change? Debate within, amongst, and beyond disciplines. Environment and Planning A, 43(2), 258-261. (10.1068/a43359)
Whitmarsh, L. E. and Xenias, D. . (2011). Low-Carbon Transport Research in Europe: What is funded, why, and how?. Presented at: The International Conference on Climate Friendly Transport, Belgrade.
Whitmarsh, L. E., Seyfang, G. and O'Neill, S. (2011). Public engagement with carbon and climate change: To what extent is the public ‘carbon capable’?. Global Environmental Change, 21(1), 56-65. (10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2010.07.011)
Whitmarsh, L. E., Upham, P., Poortinga, W., McLachlan, C., Darnton, A., Devine-Wright, P. and Sherry-Brennan, F. (2011). Public attitudes, understanding, and engagement in relation to low-carbon energy. A selective review of academic and non-academic literatures : report for RCUK Energy Programme. [Online]. Research Councils UK. Available at: http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/documents/energy/EnergySynthesisFINAL20110124.pdf
Whitmarsh, L. E. (2011). Scepticism and uncertainty about climate change: Dimensions, determinants and change over time. Global Environmental Change, 21(2), 690-700. (10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2011.01.016)
Xenias, D. and Whitmarsh, L. E. (2011). Social Psychology of Sustainable Transport. Presented at: 16th General Meeting of the European Association of Social Psychology, Stockholm, Sweden.
2010
(2010). Engaging the Public with Climate Change : Behaviour Change and Communication. London: Earthscan.
Corner, A. J., Crompton, T., Davidson, S., Hawkins, R., Kasser, T., Lertzmann, R., Lipman, P., Lorenzoni, I., Marshall, G., Mundy, C., O'Neil, S., Pidgeon, N. F., Rabinovich, A. and Whitmarsh, L. E. (2010). Communicating climate change to mass public audiences. Working Paper. Climate Outreach and Information Network. Available at: http://coinet.org.uk/sites/coinet.org.uk/files/Communicating_climate_change_to_mass_public_audiences_0.pdf
Hoppner, C. and Whitmarsh, L. E. (2010). Public engagement in climate action: policy and public expectations. In: Whitmarsh, L., O'Neill, S. and Lorenzoni, I. eds. Engaging the Public with Climate Change: Behaviour Change and Communication. London: Earthscan, pp. 47-65.
Köhler, J., Wietschel, M., Whitmarsh, L. E., Keles, D. and Schade, W. (2010). Infrastructure investment for a transition to hydrogen automobiles. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 77(8), 1237-1248. (10.1016/j.techfore.2010.03.010)
Nye, M., Whitmarsh, L. E. and Foxon, T. (2010). Socio-psychological perspectives on the active roles of domestic actors in transition to a lower carbon electricity economy. Environment and Planning A, 42(3), 697-714. (10.1068/a4245)
Ockwell, D., O'Neill, S. and Whitmarsh, L. E. (2010). Behavioural insights: motivating individual emissions cuts through communication . In: Lever -Tracey, C. ed. Routledge Handbook of Climate Change and Society. New York: Routledge, pp. 341-350.
Whitmarsh, L. E. and Köhler, J. (2010). Climate change and cars in the EU: the roles of auto firms, consumers, and policy in responding to global environmental change. Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy and Society, 3(3), 427-441. (10.1093/cjres/rsq008)
Whitmarsh, L. E., O'Neill, S. and Lorenzoni, I. (2010). Conclusion: What have we learnt and where do we go from here?. In: Whitmarsh, L., O'Neill, S. and Lorenzoni, I. eds. Engaging the Public with Climate Change: Behaviour Change and Communication. London: Earthscan,
Whitmarsh, L. E. and O'Neill, S. (2010). Green identity, green living? The role of pro-environmental self-identity in determining consistency across diverse pro-environmental behaviours. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 30(3), 305-314. (10.1016/j.jenvp.2010.01.003)
Whitmarsh, L. E. and O'Neill, S. (2010). Introduction: Opportunities for and barriers to engaging individuals with climate change. In: Whitmarsh, L., O'Neill, S. and Lorenzoni, I. eds. Engaging the Public with Climate Change: Behaviour Change and Communication. London: Earthscan, pp. 1-14.
Whitmarsh, L. E. and Lorenzoni, I. (2010). Perceptions, behavior and communication of climate change [Editorial]. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Climate Change, 1(2), 158-161. (10.1002/wcc.7)
Xenias, D. and Whitmarsh, L. E. (2010). Measuring support for sustainable transport policies and technologies. Presented at: BPS Social Psychology Section Annual Conference, Winchester, UK.
2009
Köhler, J., Whitmarsh, L. E., Nykvist, B., Schilperoord, M., Bergman, N. and Haxeltine, A. (2009). A transitions model for sustainable mobility. Ecological Economics, 68(12), 2985-2995. (10.1016/j.ecolecon.2009.06.027)
Ockwell, D., Whitmarsh, L. E. and O'Neill, S. (2009). Reorienting Climate Change Communication for Effective Mitigation Forcing People to be Green or Fostering Grass-Roots Engagement?. Science Communication, 30(3), 305-327. (10.1177/1075547008328969)
Whitmarsh, L., O'Neill, S., Seyfang, G. and Lorenzoni, I. (2009). Carbon capability: understanding climate change and reducing emissions. In: Stibbe, A. ed. The Handbook of Sustainability Literacy: skills for a changing world. Green Books, pp. 124-129.
Whitmarsh, L. E. (2009). Behavioural responses to climate change: Asymmetry of intentions and impacts. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 29(1), 13-23. (10.1016/j.jenvp.2008.05.003)
Whitmarsh, L. E., Turnpenny, J. and Nykvist, B. (2009). Beyond the regime: can Integrated Sustainability Assessment address the barriers to effective sustainable passenger mobility policy?. Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, 52(8), 973-991. (10.1080/09640560903327286)
Whitmarsh, L. E., Swartling, Å. G. and Jäger, J. (2009). Participation of experts and non-experts in a sustainability assessment of mobility. Environmental Policy and Governance, 19(4), 232-250. (10.1002/eet.513)
Whitmarsh, L. E. (2009). Social and psychological drivers of energy consumption behaviour and energy transitions.. In: Dietz, S., Michie, J. and Oughton, C. eds. Political Economy of the Environment: An Interdisciplinary Approach. Taylor & Francis, pp. 213-228.
Whitmarsh, L. E. (2009). Thomas Dietz and Paul C. Stern (Eds.), Public Participation in Environmental Assessment and Decision Making, National Academies Press, Washington, 2008, 322pp. ISBN-10: 0-309-12398-4, Paperback $59.00. [Book Review]. Environmental Science & Policy, 12(7), 1069-1072. (10.1016/j.envsci.2009.07.014)
Whitmarsh, L. E. (2009). What's in a name? Commonalities and differences in public understanding of "climate change" and "global warming". Public Understanding of Science, 18(4), 401-420. (10.1177/0963662506073088)
2008
Bergman, N., Haxeltine, A., Whitmarsh, L. E., Köhler, J., Schilperoord, M. and Rotmans, J. (2008). Modelling Socio-Technical Transition Patterns and Pathways. JASSS - The Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation, 11(3)
Haxeltine, A., Whitmarsh, L. E., Bergman, N., Rotmans, J., Schilperoord, M. and Kohler, J. (2008). A Conceptual Framework for transition modelling. International Journal of Innovation and Sustainable Development, 3(1/2), 93-114. (10.1504/IJISD.2008.018195)
Köhler, J., Whitmarsh, L. E., Michie, J. and Oughton, C. (2008). Can car makers save the planet?. In: Foxon, T., Köhler, J. and Oughton, C. eds. Innovation for a Low Carbon Economy: Economic, Institutional and Management Approaches. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar, pp. 230-272.
Nykvist, B. and Whitmarsh, L. E. (2008). A multi-level analysis of sustainable mobility transitions: Niche development in the UK and Sweden. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 75(9), 1373-1387. (10.1016/j.techfore.2008.05.006)
Whitmarsh, L. E. (2008). Are flood victims more concerned about climate change than other people? The role of direct experience in risk perception and behavioural response. Journal of Risk Research, 11(3), 351-374. (10.1080/13669870701552235)
Whitmarsh, L. E. (2008). Carbon offsetting - a way of avoiding emissions reductions?. Environment Research Web
Whitmarsh, L. E. and Nykvist, B. (2008). Integrated Sustainability Assessment of mobility transitions: simulating stakeholders' visions of and pathways to sustainable land-based mobility. International Journal of Innovation and Sustainable Development, 3(1/2), 115-127. (10.1504/IJISD.2008.018196)
Wietschel, M. and Whitmarsh, L. E. (2008). Sustainable Transport Visions: What Role for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Vehicle Technologies?. Energy & Environment, 19(2), 207-226. (10.1260/095830508783900816)
Publications
Online Publications
Click on my Researcher ID badge for electronic information about my publications:
Full List of Publications
2013
Whitmarsh, L. and Upham, P. (2013). Public responses to climate change and low-carbon energy. In: Roberts, T. et al. eds. Low-Carbon Energy Controversies. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge, pp. 14-43.
2012
Cipcigan, L. M., Wells, P. N. T., Nieuwenhuis, P. A. H. F., Davies, H. C. and Whitmarsh, L. E. (2012). Electricity as a transportation fuel: Bridging the gaps in the electric vehicle value chain. Presented at: EVVC-2012 European Electric Vehicle Congress, Brussels, Belgium, 19-22 November 2012.
Corner, A. J., Whitmarsh, L. E. and Xenias, D. (2012). Uncertainty, scepticism and attitudes towards climate change: biased assimilation and attitude polarisation. Climatic Change, 114(3-4), 463-478. (10.1007/s10584-012-0424-6)
Whitmarsh, L. E. (2012). How useful is the Multi-Level Perspective for transport and sustainability research?. Journal of Transport Geography, 24, 483-487. (10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2012.01.022)
2011
Poortinga, W., Spence, A., Whitmarsh, L. E., Capstick, S. B. and Pidgeon, N. F. (2011). Uncertain climate: An investigation into public scepticism about anthropogenic climate change. Global Environmental Change, 21(3), 1015-1024. (10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2011.03.001)
Whitmarsh, L. E., O'Neill, S. and Lorenzoni, I. (2011). Climate change or social change? Debate within, amongst, and beyond disciplines. Environment and Planning A, 43(2), 258-261. (10.1068/a43359)
Whitmarsh, L. E. and Xenias, D. . (2011). Low-Carbon Transport Research in Europe: What is funded, why, and how?. Presented at: The International Conference on Climate Friendly Transport, Belgrade.
Whitmarsh, L. E., Seyfang, G. and O'Neill, S. (2011). Public engagement with carbon and climate change: To what extent is the public ‘carbon capable’?. Global Environmental Change, 21(1), 56-65. (10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2010.07.011)
Whitmarsh, L. E., Upham, P., Poortinga, W., McLachlan, C., Darnton, A., Devine-Wright, P. and Sherry-Brennan, F. (2011). Public attitudes, understanding, and engagement in relation to low-carbon energy. A selective review of academic and non-academic literatures : report for RCUK Energy Programme. [Online]. Research Councils UK. Available at: http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/documents/energy/EnergySynthesisFINAL20110124.pdf
Whitmarsh, L. E. (2011). Scepticism and uncertainty about climate change: Dimensions, determinants and change over time. Global Environmental Change, 21(2), 690-700. (10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2011.01.016)
Xenias, D. and Whitmarsh, L. E. (2011). Social Psychology of Sustainable Transport. Presented at: 16th General Meeting of the European Association of Social Psychology, Stockholm, Sweden.
2010
(2010). Engaging the Public with Climate Change : Behaviour Change and Communication. London: Earthscan.
Corner, A. J., Crompton, T., Davidson, S., Hawkins, R., Kasser, T., Lertzmann, R., Lipman, P., Lorenzoni, I., Marshall, G., Mundy, C., O'Neil, S., Pidgeon, N. F., Rabinovich, A. and Whitmarsh, L. E. (2010). Communicating climate change to mass public audiences. Working Paper. Climate Outreach and Information Network. Available at: http://coinet.org.uk/sites/coinet.org.uk/files/Communicating_climate_change_to_mass_public_audiences_0.pdf
Hoppner, C. and Whitmarsh, L. E. (2010). Public engagement in climate action: policy and public expectations. In: Whitmarsh, L., O'Neill, S. and Lorenzoni, I. eds. Engaging the Public with Climate Change: Behaviour Change and Communication. London: Earthscan, pp. 47-65.
Köhler, J., Wietschel, M., Whitmarsh, L. E., Keles, D. and Schade, W. (2010). Infrastructure investment for a transition to hydrogen automobiles. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 77(8), 1237-1248. (10.1016/j.techfore.2010.03.010)
Nye, M., Whitmarsh, L. E. and Foxon, T. (2010). Socio-psychological perspectives on the active roles of domestic actors in transition to a lower carbon electricity economy. Environment and Planning A, 42(3), 697-714. (10.1068/a4245)
Ockwell, D., O'Neill, S. and Whitmarsh, L. E. (2010). Behavioural insights: motivating individual emissions cuts through communication . In: Lever -Tracey, C. ed. Routledge Handbook of Climate Change and Society. New York: Routledge, pp. 341-350.
Whitmarsh, L. E. and Köhler, J. (2010). Climate change and cars in the EU: the roles of auto firms, consumers, and policy in responding to global environmental change. Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy and Society, 3(3), 427-441. (10.1093/cjres/rsq008)
Whitmarsh, L. E., O'Neill, S. and Lorenzoni, I. (2010). Conclusion: What have we learnt and where do we go from here?. In: Whitmarsh, L., O'Neill, S. and Lorenzoni, I. eds. Engaging the Public with Climate Change: Behaviour Change and Communication. London: Earthscan,
Whitmarsh, L. E. and O'Neill, S. (2010). Green identity, green living? The role of pro-environmental self-identity in determining consistency across diverse pro-environmental behaviours. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 30(3), 305-314. (10.1016/j.jenvp.2010.01.003)
Whitmarsh, L. E. and O'Neill, S. (2010). Introduction: Opportunities for and barriers to engaging individuals with climate change. In: Whitmarsh, L., O'Neill, S. and Lorenzoni, I. eds. Engaging the Public with Climate Change: Behaviour Change and Communication. London: Earthscan, pp. 1-14.
Whitmarsh, L. E. and Lorenzoni, I. (2010). Perceptions, behavior and communication of climate change [Editorial]. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Climate Change, 1(2), 158-161. (10.1002/wcc.7)
Xenias, D. and Whitmarsh, L. E. (2010). Measuring support for sustainable transport policies and technologies. Presented at: BPS Social Psychology Section Annual Conference, Winchester, UK.
2009
Köhler, J., Whitmarsh, L. E., Nykvist, B., Schilperoord, M., Bergman, N. and Haxeltine, A. (2009). A transitions model for sustainable mobility. Ecological Economics, 68(12), 2985-2995. (10.1016/j.ecolecon.2009.06.027)
Ockwell, D., Whitmarsh, L. E. and O'Neill, S. (2009). Reorienting Climate Change Communication for Effective Mitigation Forcing People to be Green or Fostering Grass-Roots Engagement?. Science Communication, 30(3), 305-327. (10.1177/1075547008328969)
Whitmarsh, L., O'Neill, S., Seyfang, G. and Lorenzoni, I. (2009). Carbon capability: understanding climate change and reducing emissions. In: Stibbe, A. ed. The Handbook of Sustainability Literacy: skills for a changing world. Green Books, pp. 124-129.
Whitmarsh, L. E. (2009). Behavioural responses to climate change: Asymmetry of intentions and impacts. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 29(1), 13-23. (10.1016/j.jenvp.2008.05.003)
Whitmarsh, L. E., Turnpenny, J. and Nykvist, B. (2009). Beyond the regime: can Integrated Sustainability Assessment address the barriers to effective sustainable passenger mobility policy?. Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, 52(8), 973-991. (10.1080/09640560903327286)
Whitmarsh, L. E., Swartling, Å. G. and Jäger, J. (2009). Participation of experts and non-experts in a sustainability assessment of mobility. Environmental Policy and Governance, 19(4), 232-250. (10.1002/eet.513)
Whitmarsh, L. E. (2009). Social and psychological drivers of energy consumption behaviour and energy transitions.. In: Dietz, S., Michie, J. and Oughton, C. eds. Political Economy of the Environment: An Interdisciplinary Approach. Taylor & Francis, pp. 213-228.
Whitmarsh, L. E. (2009). Thomas Dietz and Paul C. Stern (Eds.), Public Participation in Environmental Assessment and Decision Making, National Academies Press, Washington, 2008, 322pp. ISBN-10: 0-309-12398-4, Paperback $59.00. [Book Review]. Environmental Science & Policy, 12(7), 1069-1072. (10.1016/j.envsci.2009.07.014)
Whitmarsh, L. E. (2009). What's in a name? Commonalities and differences in public understanding of "climate change" and "global warming". Public Understanding of Science, 18(4), 401-420. (10.1177/0963662506073088)
2008
Bergman, N., Haxeltine, A., Whitmarsh, L. E., Köhler, J., Schilperoord, M. and Rotmans, J. (2008). Modelling Socio-Technical Transition Patterns and Pathways. JASSS - The Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation, 11(3)
Haxeltine, A., Whitmarsh, L. E., Bergman, N., Rotmans, J., Schilperoord, M. and Kohler, J. (2008). A Conceptual Framework for transition modelling. International Journal of Innovation and Sustainable Development, 3(1/2), 93-114. (10.1504/IJISD.2008.018195)
Köhler, J., Whitmarsh, L. E., Michie, J. and Oughton, C. (2008). Can car makers save the planet?. In: Foxon, T., Köhler, J. and Oughton, C. eds. Innovation for a Low Carbon Economy: Economic, Institutional and Management Approaches. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar, pp. 230-272.
Nykvist, B. and Whitmarsh, L. E. (2008). A multi-level analysis of sustainable mobility transitions: Niche development in the UK and Sweden. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 75(9), 1373-1387. (10.1016/j.techfore.2008.05.006)
Whitmarsh, L. E. (2008). Are flood victims more concerned about climate change than other people? The role of direct experience in risk perception and behavioural response. Journal of Risk Research, 11(3), 351-374. (10.1080/13669870701552235)
Whitmarsh, L. E. (2008). Carbon offsetting - a way of avoiding emissions reductions?. Environment Research Web
Whitmarsh, L. E. and Nykvist, B. (2008). Integrated Sustainability Assessment of mobility transitions: simulating stakeholders' visions of and pathways to sustainable land-based mobility. International Journal of Innovation and Sustainable Development, 3(1/2), 115-127. (10.1504/IJISD.2008.018196)
Wietschel, M. and Whitmarsh, L. E. (2008). Sustainable Transport Visions: What Role for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Vehicle Technologies?. Energy & Environment, 19(2), 207-226. (10.1260/095830508783900816)
2007
Lorenzoni, I., Nicholson-Cole, S. and Whitmarsh, L. E. (2007). Barriers perceived to engaging with climate change among the UK public and their policy implications. Global Environmental Change, 17(3-4), 445-459. (10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2007.01.004)
2005
Whitmarsh, L. E. (2005). The Benefits of Guide Dog Ownership. Visual Impairment Research, 7(1), 27-42. (10.1080/13882350590956439)
2000
Charlton, T., Panting, C., Davie, R., Coles, D. and Whitmarsh, L. E. (2000). Children's Playground Behaviour Across Five Years of Broadcast Television: A Naturalistic Study in a Remote Community. Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties, 5(4), 4-12. (10.1080/1363275000050402)
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Media
Media Activities
In 2011, I participated in several Science Café programmes on BBC Radio Wales discussing climate change and nuclear risk perceptions and was interviewed for the Guardian about green behaviour and the government’s Green Deal. Other interviews over the last couple of years include for the Guardian on climate change perceptions, the BBC on public attitudes to climate change, the Times Higher Education Supplement on communicating climate change, and the Express on avoiding fear to communicate climate change.
My research on climate change scepticism received considerable media coverage during 2009. The findings (published in Global Environmental Change in 2011) revealed a doubling of the proportion of the public agreeing that "claims that human activities are changing the climate are exaggerated" between 2003 and 2008 (see Figure). For example, the BBC, Financial Times, Independent, Express and ABC reported the rise.
This YouTube video describes recent work on green behaviours and how to encourage green lifestyle change.
Research
Research Topics
Public engagement with climate change and low-carbon lifestyles:
This strand of research stems from my PhD, which examined public perceptions of, and behavioural responses to, climate change in flood-prone regions in the South of England. I particularly focussed on the roles of language and experience in how people understood and responded to climate change.
Since this time, I have worked with other researchers at the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change on: perceived barriers to engaging with climate change; motivations for, and for not, purchasing carbon offsets; the links between different environmentally-significant behaviours, including whether pro-environmental self-identity predicts spill-over effects between behaviours; and attitudes to climate change (particularly focussing on uncertainty and scepticism). Data collection from UK residents has been via a postal survey and an online survey. My current research (with Adam Corner and Dimitrios Xenias) uses experiments to investigate how uncertain information about climate change is perceived and interpreted, and how prior attitudes and values influence this interpretation.
With Irene Lorenzoni (East Anglia) and Saffron O’Neill (Melbourne), I edited a book on Engaging the public with climate change: behaviour change and communication which was published by Earthscan in November 2010. This interdisciplinary volume features contributions from academics and practitioners involved in communicating climate change and encouraging low-carbon lifestyles.
In addition, I have received funding (on a consultancy basis) from DEFRA for several projects on pro-environmental attitudes and behaviour change. This includes two projects investigating the effectiveness of different approaches (informational, social, financial and structural) to encouraging energy-efficient behaviour change amongst students and staff within Higher Education; and a literature review and workshop on breaking and creating habits for sustainability. In addition, in 2009, I contributed to a major research synthesis on Public Attitudes to Environmental Change funded under the Living with Environmental Change cross-council research programme and am recently led a similar review for the RCUK’s Energy Programme on Public Attitudes to Low-Carbon Energy.
Within this research strand, I am also interested in testing novel ways of engaging the public with climate change. In 2009, I received funding from the RCUK Beacons for Public Engagement to work with a sustainable design expert (Elio Studios) and researchers at the University of East Anglia to produce creative installations of climate change data. These were unveiled at the Sustainable Living Festival at The Forum, Norwich, UK in May 2009. In another project (with David Ockwell, Sussex; and Saffron O’Neill, Melbourne), funded by the Science & Policy Research Unit, University of Sussex, we are investigating whether participating in creative writing about climate change increases interest and concern about climate change, and willingness to change environmentally-significant behaviour.
Public/stakeholder participation in sustainability science and policy:
Within three European (FP6 and FP7) projects, ADAM, MATISSE and REACT, I have been involved in developing participatory methods and tools to enable the public and other stakeholders to deliberate over policies and novel technologies and, ultimately, contribute to decision-making about science and policy.
Much of this work was conducted through the MATISSE project (Methods and Tools for Integrated Sustainability Assessment) between 2005 and 2008. The project aimed to advance the science and application of Integrated Sustainability Assessment (ISA) in EU policy-making by improving the tool-kit and methods available for developing and assessing sustainability policies. This work focussed on developing participatory methods and modelling tools to support strategic decision-making in respect of sustainability issues, such as transport and consumption. Literature reviews and stakeholder engagement methods (including expert and citizen focus groups and questionnaires) were used to develop ‘visions’ and ‘pathways’ for sustainable futures in each case study (transport, consumption, water management).
At a more local level, I was also involved in the Sense of Place project, funded by Norfolk Rural Community Council in 2007, which aimed to enable communities to become familiar with, and to influence, environmental issues, including landscape, ecological networks, green space, recreation and climate change. The project focussed on the design (in collaboration with various stakeholder groups) and delivery of a web-based decision-support toolkit.
Innovation, risk and behaviour change with respect to sustainable transport:
In the current FP7 REACT (Supporting Research on Climate-friendly Transport) project I am working on (with Dimitrios Xenias), we aim: to build networks and identify synergies in low-carbon transport research initiatives; to help shape the strategic direction of low-carbon transport research and development within Europe; to contribute to improving coordination between the European, national, regional and private research and development actions; and to help ensure knowledge about low-carbon transport is available and accessible for those who require it.
Dimitrios and I are also investigating the acceptability of different transport technologies and policies, and the factors affecting low-carbon transport behaviours. This research compares different methodologies for eliciting preferences, including deliberative workshops, paired preference and ranking exercises.
Funding
NERC/UKERC (2010-12). Transforming the UK Energy System: Public Values, Attitudes and Acceptability. Pidgeon, N., Pearson, P. Spence, A., Parkhill, K., Butler, C, Whitmarsh, L., Sweet, T., Chaudry, M., & Jenkins, N.
RCUK (2010). Public Attitudes to Low-Carbon Energy - Research Synthesis. Whitmarsh, L., Upham, P. (Manchester), Poortinga, W. (Cardiff), Darnton, A. (AD Research & Analysis), McLachlan, C. (Manchester), Devine-Wright, P. (Exeter), & Sherry-Brennan, F. (Exeter) [pdf]
NERC/ESRC (2010-2013). PhD Studentship. Public Perception of Habitat Management Strategies for the Freshwater Pearl Mussel in Response to Climate-Driven Environmental Change across Wales. Ormerod, S., Constantine, J. & Whitmarsh, L.
British Psychological Society. (2009-11). Psychology and Sustainability. BPS Research Seminars Competition. Whitmarsh, L., Pidgeon, N., Spence, A., Rabinovich, A. (Exeter) & Uzzell, D. (Surrey)
European Commission (Support Action - Framework Programme 7) (2009-11). Supporting REseArch on Climate-friendly Transport (REACT). Roze, R. (Coventry University Enterprises), Rudolph, F. (Wuppertal Institute), Stylianidis,, S. (GeoImaging), Vitale, A.., Tavlaki, E. (Arachni), Radmilović, Z.., Cisic, D.. (Rijeka), Whitmarsh, L. & Špirić, Z..
ESRC. (2009-10). Living With Environmental Change (LWEC) Research Synthesis. A review of public attitudes to environmental change. Upham, P. (Manchester), Whitmarsh, L., Poortinga, W., Purdam, K. (Manchester), Darnton, A. (AD Research & Analysis), & Devine-Wright, P. (Exeter)
Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research. (2008-10). Carbon Offsetting and Pro-environmental Behaviour. Whitmarsh, L.
In addition, I have received funding (on a consultancy basis) from WAG and from DEFRA for several projects on pro-environmental behaviour change, through their Greener Living Fund and Action-Based Research fund.
Research Groups/Networks
Understanding Risk Group
ESRC Centre for Business Relationships, Accountability, Sustainability & Society (BRASS)
Sustainable Places Research Institute
Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research
Climate Change Consortium of Wales (C3W)
Research Collaborators
Dimitrios Xenias (Post-doctoral researcher; REACT project)
Nick Pidgeon and Understanding Risk group Climate Change Consortium for Wales; URI Sustainable Places; BPS Seminar Series; LWEC research synthesis; WAG segmentation research; research on perceptions of climate change and environmental behaviour
Saffron O’Neill (Melbourne) research on perceptions of climate change
Irene Lorenzoni (East Anglia) research on perceptions of climate change; co-editing WIREs Climate Change
David Ockwell (Surrey) research on engaging with climate change
Bas Verplanken (Bath) and Lizzie Bone (NUS) research on pro-environmental behaviour and breaking/creating habits
Andrew Darnton (AD Research & Analysis) research on pro-environmental behaviour and breaking/creating habits
Postgraduate Students
Postgraduate Research Interests
I am interested in the psychological and social dimensions of environmental, risk and sustainability issues. My research, which employs both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection and analysis, focuses on three main areas: (a) public engagement with climate change, carbon literacy, carbon offsetting, and low-carbon lifestyles; (b) public/stakeholder participation in sustainability science and policy; and (c) innovation and behaviour change with respect to sustainable transport and consumption.
If you are interested in applying for a PhD, or for further information regarding my postgraduate research, please contact me directly (contact details available on the 'Overview' page), or submit a formal application here.
Current Students
Po-Han Hsu (University of East Anglia; Jointly supervised with Irene Lorenzoni and Peter Simmons) Po-Han’s research examines the ways in which new media influences perceptions, group dynamics and behaviours in relation to energy use and climate change.
Merryn Thomas (jointly supervised with Nick Pidgeon and Rhoda Ballinger, EARTH). Merryn’s research focuses on public perceptions of sea-level rise risk within the Severn Estuary.
Kate Walker (jointly supervised with Jose Constantine, EARTH, and Steve Ormerod, BIO). Kate’s research focuses on public perception of habitat management strategies for the freshwater pearl mussel in response to climate-driven environmental change.
Biography
Undergraduate Education
1997: BA Hons (2.1) Theology and Religious Studies with French, University of Kent
Postgraduate Education
2010: Postgraduate Certificate in University Teaching & Learning, Cardiff University
2000: MSc (Distinction) Science, Culture & Communication, University of Bath
2005: PhD Psychology (‘Public Understanding of and Response to Climate Change’), University of Bath
Awards/Other Duties
Best Conference Paper Award at the International Conference on Whole Life Urban Sustainability and its Assessment in Glasgow, 2007
Member of the Climate Change Commission for Wales
Member of the British Science Association Committee on Science & Society
Member of DEFRA expert panel on Sustainable Consumption & Production (SCP)
Member of the Living with Environmental Change (LWEC) Public Engagement Strategic Advisory Group
Member of the International Association for People-Environment Studies (IAPS)
Reviewer for: Nature Climate Change; Risk Analysis; Journal of Environmental Psychology; Environment & Behavior; British Journal of Social Psychology; Journal of Applied Social Psychology; Global Environmental Change; Climate Policy; Ecological Economics; Energy & Environment; Energy Policy; Environment & Planning A; Environmental Health; Environmental Politics; Ethics & International Affairs; GeoForum; International Journal of Sustainable Development; Journal of Cleaner Production; Population & Environment; Perspectives in Public Health; PLoS ONE; Technological Forecasting & Social Change; Society & Natural Resources; Sustainability: Science, Practice, and Policy; Area; St Antony’s International Review; Taylor & Francis books; John Wiley & Sons; European Communication Research & Education Association; Sage Publications; Government Office for Science (Foresight); Behavioural Insights Team (Cabinet Office)
Editorial board: Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews (WIREs) Climate Change:
PhD examining: Exeter University, Queensland University of Technology
Grant reviewing: NSF, ESRC, NERC, Austrian Science Fund FWF, Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO); Leverhulme Trust
Employment
2009-present: Lecturer – School of Psychology, Cardiff University.
2009-present: Visiting Fellow/Partner Coordinator – Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research.
2009-present: Research Associate – ESRC Centre for Business Relationships, Accountability, Sustainability & Society (BRASS) and (since 2010) Sustainable Places Research Institute
2009-present: Visiting Fellow – Science Studies Centre, School of Psychology, University of Bath
2005-2009: Senior Research Associate – Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia
2001-2004: Teaching Assistant / Lecturer (part-time) – Department of Psychology, University of Bath
2000-2001: Research Officer – Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, Burghfield, Reading