Walk the Talk: Should Leaders Model a Low-Carbon Future?

Leading by example is a core principle of leadership, whether in politics, business, sport or society more widely. But when it comes to tackling climate change this presents a conundrum for leaders of all kinds, who often have (necessarily) high-carbon lifestyles. Is it reasonable to expect leaders to cut their own emissions visibly, or is it counterproductive to focus on individuals? Showcasing new research findings, this session explores the effects of leading by example with low-carbon behaviour (or not), including the powerful signals this sends, the likelihood of emulation by others, and the complexities involved. Recommendations will be made for leaders wanting to maximise their credibility, effectiveness and influence on the journey to net zero.