Environmental psychologist, Professor Lorraine Whitmarsh, has been included in a list of the world’s top climate scientists according to their influence.

The Reuters Hot List, published by the international news agency, identifies over 1,000 climate scientists from around the world based on how many research papers they have published, how often those papers are cited, and how often those papers are referenced in the media and across social media, in policy papers and other outlets.

Professor Whitmarsh, who last year was also included among a list of the world’s most influential researchers according to Web of Science, is listed at number 211 in the Reuters’ ranking. She moved to our Department of Psychology from Cardiff University last year and has since published a series of important studies that have each received wide coverage.

The Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST), which Professor Whitmarsh leads, is a global hub for understanding the systemic and society-wide transformations required to address climate change.

Comprised of researchers from Cardiff, Manchester, York, East Anglia and Bath along with the Oxford-based charity Climate Outreach, the Centre is funded by the ESRC. It regularly publishes high-profile reports about the social transformations needed to produce a low-carbon and sustainable society, in addition to polling data on public attitudes and values about climate change.

Commenting on being included in the Reuters list, Professor Whitmarsh said: “This measure shows the influence of climate change research not only within academia, but beyond it in policy and society more broadly. Crucially, many of the scientists listed are researching the huge social and behavioural changes required to meet our climate change targets, and there is growing awareness that this insight is critical for addressing the scale of the climate challenge.

“Since moving to the University of Bath last year, I have been collaborating with many other leading climate change researchers working on the engineering, economic, and social solutions needed to achieve a sustainable future. It’s also exciting to be part of the University’s ambitious Climate Action Framework which aims to reduce our own carbon impact and embed climate action across our teaching and research.”

Read more about Professor Whitmarsh and her influences in this recent Staff Spotlight.

Professor Jonathan Knight, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), added: “The growing prominence of climate scientists from across disciplines and from around the world, as highlighted in this latest Reuters ranking, reflects the urgency of the climate crisis affecting us all. Both through her work via the Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations and here at the University via our Climate Action Framework, Professor Whitmarsh’s research demonstrates how and why environmental psychology is a key component in bringing about the many changes required for a low-carbon future. We are delighted to see her included in this list for the important contributions she is making to these debates.”