Research Topic Title: Assessing local authority policy interventions to reduce food-related GHG emissions
I am a researcher focusing on climate change mitigation, policy, and behaviour change. I collaborate with local authorities and voluntary sector organisations to understand public perceptions and encourage low carbon behaviours in different areas of daily life, particularly at the individual and organisational levels. I am currently working with Cornwall Council to explore residents’ and employees’ readiness to adopt active modes of travel. I also have a strong interest in sustainable food systems, diet, and policy interventions to reduce carbon emissions and provide health co-benefits.
My postdoctoral fellowship builds on my PhD research on the motivations for the adoption of online food hubs (also called ‘online farmers’ markets’) and to what extent using them reduces carbon emissions. Emission reduction primarily occurs through: 1) changing household food behaviours, for example encouraging a healthier, more seasonal diet and wasting less food; and 2) supporting sustainable food production practices, such as regenerative agriculture. One objective of my fellowship is to explore innovative policy interventions for local authorities to reduce food-related carbon emissions through these two mechanisms. Together with expert stakeholders, I will assess the feasibility and potential impacts of different policy measures, such as applying the social prescribing model to improve the dietary health of target social groups, or prioritising environmentally responsible supply chains for procurement for schools, hospitals, and public catering outlets. I will identify how successful policy outcomes would be determined and measured, and which stakeholder networks could support the implementation.
Mentor: Prof. Lorraine Whitmarsh, University of Bath
Publications
Vrain, E., Wilson, C., Kerr, L. and Wilson, M., 2022. Social influence in the adoption of digital consumer innovations for climate change. Energy Policy, 162, 112800.
Wilson, C., Kerr, L., Sprei, F., Vrain, E., and Wilson, M., 2020. Potential Climate Benefits of Digital Consumer Innovations. Annual Review of Environment and Resources, 45, p.113-144.
Pettifor, H., Wilson, C., Bogelein, S., Cassar, E., Kerr, L. and Wilson, M., 2020. Are low carbon innovations appealing? A typology of functional, symbolic, private and public attributes. Energy Research & Social Science, 64, 101422.
Wilson, C., Pettifor, H., Cassar, E., Kerr, L. and Wilson, M., 2019. The potential contribution of disruptive low-carbon innovations to 1.5 °C climate mitigation. Energy Efficiency, 12(2), p.423-440.
Contact Details:
E-mail: mw2640@bath.ac.uk
Website / Blog: cast.ac.uk – The Centre for Climate and Social Transformations