Crossed wires: leaders' and politicians' misperceptions of the public's view on Net Zero

​Bridging Perception and Action: Climate Leadership in Focus

​Lisa-Maria Tanase presents evidence that politicians often overestimate public resistance to net-zero policies. Drawing on experimental studies with 100 UK MPs and 611 European politicians, her talk reveals how elected officials underestimate public support for climate action—and how correcting these misperceptions can unlock bolder policy decisions.

​Steve Westlake then explores the power of embodied sustainable leadership, showing how actions by politicians, celebrities, and CEOs—rooted in the idea that “action is communication”—reshape societal attitudes and behaviors. His research bridges “individual action versus systems change,” demonstrating how visible, embodied leadership can accelerate collective climate engagement.

​Together, these presentations challenge conventional wisdom, offering actionable insights for leaders, policymakers, and changemakers committed to turning climate ambition into reality. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research on climate leadership and public perception