Professor at Lancaster University appointed to UK’s Climate Change Committee

Rebecca Willis, a Professor of Energy and Climate Governance at the Lancaster Environment Centre (LEC), has been appointed as an expert advisor to the UK’s Climate Change Committee.

Professor Rebecca Willis’ role will consist of providing expert insight into the role of households and the public in the transition to Net Zero.

Her insights will support the CCC in providing essential statutory advice to the government over the coming year.

Professor Willis said: “I’m really pleased to be joining the Climate Change Committee, at such a crucial time in the UK’s transition to net zero emissions.

“I’ll be working with them to advise Government, to make sure we design climate policies that work for people’s lives and outlooks.”

Professor Willis also leads the Climate Citizens research group at Lancaster University, and alongside this she is also an advisor to Innovate UK’s Net Zero Living initiative and the National Lottery’s Climate Change Fund.

In 2020 she served as an Expert Lead for Climate Assembly UK, the Citizens’ Assembly established by Parliament. Professor Wills was also the Vice-Chair of the UK Sustainable Development Commission, advising the prime Minister and First ministers of the devolved administrations between 2004 and 2011.

Director of Lancaster Environment Centre (LEC), Professor Crispin Halsall, said: “This is a fantastic appointment for Rebecca. Professor Willis’s expertise and her experience with working with citizen groups concerned about climate change, means that Rebecca is just the right person to serve on this prestigious Committee.”