What is the story about?
What's Happening?
Dr Sam Hampton has joined the Institute for Social and Cultural Change (ISCC) as a Fellow in Social Transformations, bringing his expertise in climate engagement, policy, and behavioral change. His work focuses on bridging the gap between personal behavior and systemic transformation, using interdisciplinary methods to support low-carbon lifestyles, business practices, and governance. Hampton's background includes roles as a Research Fellow in the Psychology Department at the University of Bath and Senior Researcher at the Environmental Change Institute at the University of Oxford. He has also worked as a freelance environmental consultant, specializing in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the sustainability sector. Hampton's research aims to understand climate engagement across diverse demographics and life stages, exploring concepts like Carbon Capability, which examines how individuals and groups engage with climate action.
Why It's Important?
Dr Hampton's appointment at ISCC is significant as it highlights the growing emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches to climate change. His work aims to influence both individual behaviors and systemic changes, which are crucial for effective climate action. By focusing on everyday influencers and grassroots impact, Hampton seeks to empower community figures to spark climate conversations in informal settings. This approach could lead to broader societal engagement with climate issues, potentially influencing policy and industry practices. His collaboration with high-profile figures to lead by example in personal climate behaviors underscores the importance of leadership in driving climate action. This work could have a substantial impact on public policy and corporate strategies, encouraging more sustainable practices across various sectors.
What's Next?
Dr Hampton plans to expand his research on everyday influencers and community leaders, aiming to equip them to promote sustainability in their roles. He is developing a grant proposal to further explore this area. Additionally, Hampton is collaborating on a project to recruit high-profile figures to lead by example in climate behaviors, which could influence public perception and policy. His interdisciplinary approach at ISCC will continue to strengthen links with the Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST), fostering collaborative research to tackle climate challenges. Hampton's work with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) on SME decarbonization could lead to new policy initiatives supporting sustainable business practices.
Beyond the Headlines
Dr Hampton's work highlights the ethical and cultural dimensions of climate change, emphasizing the role of community leaders and everyday influencers in driving societal change. His focus on interdisciplinary collaboration reflects a broader trend in climate research, where diverse perspectives are integrated to address complex challenges. By engaging with policy and industry, Hampton's research aims to create real-world impact, bridging the gap between academic theory and practical solutions. His vision for the Social Transformations Fellowship at ISCC includes scaling up successful projects and deepening collaboration with CAST, potentially leading to innovative approaches to climate action.
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