Exploring the human side of conservation practice | Dr Laura Thomas-Walters

Why do so many people get into conservation because of a love of animals, only to discover that it’s all about people?And why if you’re interested in working as a social scientist particularly, should you focus on improving on your softer skills, especially if you want to get ahead in your career?We discuss these questions and many more with today’s guest Dr Laura Thomas-Walters.Laura is the Deputy Director of Experimental Research for the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication. She describes herself as an environmental social scientist with a focus on behaviour change who works closely with governments and NGOs to enact change through research.In this episode, we delve deep into the fascinating world of conservation science and climate change communication.Laura shares her journey into conservation, driven by a passion for big, cuddly animals, and how it evolved into a focus on behaviour change and climate activism.We explore the multifaceted nature of Laura's research, from demand reduction in the wildlife trade to linking extreme weather events with climate change.We also discuss the importance of cultural awareness, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the challenges of transitioning between academia and government work.Finally, Laura also provides valuable insights into the soft skills needed for conservation social science and offers advice for aspiring conservationists on how to navigate the complexities of this field.It’s a social-scienceing, climate-communicating, behaviour-changing podchat. Enjoy.