Nicky Hawkins
nickyhawkins.bsky.social
Nicky Hawkins
@nickyhawkins.bsky.social
Communications and framing enthusiast, working on climate change and inequality.
Reposted by Nicky Hawkins
Excellent article by @wouterpoortinga.bsky.social on drivers of climate policy support.

Perception matters. Policies must be seen to be fair & effective. Ppl need to know they’re not alone in supporting climate action.

“Climate action does not just need good policy, it also needs good psychology.”
Why some climate policies are more popular than others – a psychologist explains
Climate action does not just need good policy, it also needs good psychology.
theconversation.com
August 15, 2025 at 5:51 AM
Reposted by Nicky Hawkins
Latest research on public attitudes from me👇

“The public are clear what better transport looks like. No matter how you vote, where you live or currently get around there is a clear desire for more public transport options and for these to be affordable, accessible and better integrated.”
🚘 NEW RESEARCH | What do people in Britain really want from transport? From safer streets to better buses, the public’s priorities are clear and they’re ready for change. Read our new research with @moreincommonuk.bsky.social ippr.org/articles/everyday-concerns-what-people-want-from-transport
August 13, 2025 at 7:23 AM
I love this.

Crossrail used to feel like a synonym for delay and disaster. But the Elizabeth line is like a breath of fresh air.

More of this, especially outside London.
August 11, 2025 at 10:11 AM
We have a hugely distorted view of what's normal to think and feel about issues like migration, climate change and welfare.

Media, culture and campaigners amplify the extremes and play down the common sense and compassion that most of us are guided by.
You'd never know it from some media and politicians but "The UK is among the countries with the least anti-immigration views in Europe. While in 2002-03 only 27% of the public felt immigration had a positive impact on the economy, this jumped to 66% in 2023-24." theconversation.com/what-britons...
April 1, 2025 at 9:11 AM
Reposted by Nicky Hawkins
In 2.5 weeks, Donald Trump has gone from a +38 net favourability rating among Reform UK voters to -8

All Britons
Favourable: 15% (-7 from 16-17 Feb)
Unfavourable: 80% (+7)

Reform UK voters
Favourable: 45% (-21)
Unfavourable: 53% (+25)

yougov.co.uk/politics/art...
March 5, 2025 at 4:58 PM
The definitive framing in this headline - and most of the article - is deeply irresponsible.

If worsening challenges are a done deal, why do anything to combat them?
March 4, 2025 at 10:49 AM
“People around the country tell us they want to protect our climate and nature – and that this can go hand-in-hand with making our country fairer, and people’s lives better."

Bang on from @climateoutreach.bsky.social

www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/pa/art...
Public think Heathrow expansion `wrong priority´, polling suggests
Survey conducted for climate charities finds strong support for improving roads and upgrading the rail system - but not a third runway.
www.dailymail.co.uk
February 12, 2025 at 12:55 PM
Caring about the planet is cool, pass it on.
Which ideologies do Britons have a favourable view of?

Environmentalism: 64% favourable
Feminism: 56%
Liberalism: 41%
Socialism: 38%
Conservatism: 32%
Capitalism: 30%
Nationalism: 29%
Libertarianism: 24%
Populism: 13%
Communism: 10%
Anarchism: 8%
Fascism: 2%

yougov.co.uk/politics/art...
December 10, 2024 at 11:44 AM
"Women who recorded a daily average of 3.4 minutes of intense activity, but reported no formal exercise, were 45% less likely to have a heart attack, stroke or heart failure compared with women who did not manage any activity."

What a fantastic finding.

www.theguardian.com/society/2024...
Four minutes of daily exertion can halve heart attack risk in women, finds study
Bursts of intense movement such as climbing stairs can make big difference to health, finds UK Biobank research
www.theguardian.com
December 4, 2024 at 7:38 AM
Reposted by Nicky Hawkins
Spot on.

Poor health, like physical inactivity, is down to many factors and is much more complex than personal choice.
I’m getting tired of all of this narrative. You look after yourself when you’re looked after by others & when you’re not struggling with poverty, social isolation & discrimination. The state has a pivotal role in preparing the soil. Whether that’s NHS or beyond.
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
NHS ‘will be overwhelmed unless patients look after themselves’
The public must be motivated to take charge of their own health, a Labour adviser has said
www.thetimes.com
November 19, 2024 at 8:11 AM
"The Welsh government... spent only £1.6m of the £32m total cost on explaining the policy, focusing on telling the public that it was coming in, but not why."

Instinct and emotion trumps facts. Policymakers must prioritise effective communication, exhibit 7,326.

www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Wales’s 20mph speed limit saves lives and money. So why has it become a culture-war battlefield? | Will Hayward
In a world of online outrage, evidence is no longer enough – for a policy to work, politicians must explain it and stick by it, says Guardian columnist Will Hayward
www.theguardian.com
November 18, 2024 at 12:28 PM
Reposted by Nicky Hawkins
Just 3 of the things that are needed - what else?
- for God's sake talk like a human - stop calling it "net zero" for a start
- more authentic stories on socials, MSM, of normal folk finding this all fine thanks
- give this stuff away - heat pumps & EVs & insulation etc - cheaper cheaper cheaper.
November 13, 2024 at 11:25 AM
Despite what we might see in some corners of the internet, investment in better options for walking, wheeling and cycling is *really popular.*

climateoutreach.org/active-trave...
Investment in active travel is popular: most people want more options for walking, wheeling and cycling - Climate Outreach
A new report by Sport England has found that being active is good for us and good for society – and unequal access to physical activity harms our nation’s health and wellbeing. Addressing this isn’t j...
climateoutreach.org
October 25, 2024 at 9:18 AM