Rebecca Willis

Rebecca Willis is an independent researcher and Vice-Chair of the UK Sustainable Development Commission.

Her work focuses on environmental politics and policymaking at both a national and regional level. She has researched and written on issues such as climate change, energy policy, public attitudes to the environment, government spending and taxation, and the environmental and social impact of new technologies.

As Vice-Chair for Whitehall, Rebecca represents the Sustainable Development Commission in central government, working with government ministers, advisers and officials to ensure that government policy reflects sustainability goals.

Her freelance portfolio involves work with a range of organisations including Defra, Greenpeace, The Lake District National Park Authority and The University of Leeds.

What communities do you belong to?

An international community of people persuading governments to act on climate change; a local community trying to make Cumbria England’s greenest county; the Outdoor Swimming Society; my children’s school; and my lovely family, friends and neighbours, to name but a few.

What’s the coolest idea you’ve seen to tackle climate change?

I’m tempted to say a bicycle or a jumper - simple, cheap and effective. But probably local community energy schemes: as well as cutting carbon, they motivate people to take action, and form a sort of community glue.

Why are you involved in The Big Green Challenge?

Because if you work on the environment, it can sometimes be difficult to keep cheerful in the face of the threats we face. But there’s no better antidote to the green glums than getting to know some vibrant, successful community projects.