Student research spotlight: Savannah Davies’ project on the impact of environmental activism
Posted on 31 March 2025
At the University of York, we take pride in our students' dedication to research in the environmental sphere. Following the recent Student Sustainability Research Conference (SSRC25) at the University of Leeds on 5 March, we are showcasing the incredible research presented by our students.
Over the next few weeks, we’re highlighting student research projects from the conference. We're excited to start with Savannah Davies, a final year Environment, Economics and Ecology student from the Department of Environment and Geography, whose dissertation explores the impact of environmental activism on global environmental policy.
Exploring the influence of activism
Savannah Davies' undergraduate dissertation project delves into the relationship between environmental activism and policy development across 179 countries. Using a data-driven approach, she has analysed over 4,000 cases of activism to assess its correlation with environmental performance. Her study also considers political freedom, economic conditions, and climate risk variables, aiming to identify trends in policy change and address a key research gap in activism-policy interactions.
When asked what inspired her to pursue this topic, Savannah shared:
“In 2019, when I was around 15, I started to get involved in environmental activism. It started as attending youth climate strikes, to running them and then running national campaigns. I was involved in all different forms of activism, from letter writing, to marches, to protest camps and non-violent civil disobedience. It always made me wonder if it was making a difference, was the time that took up so much of my time working?”
Savannah’s work seeks to provide tangible insights into the effectiveness of activism, informing both policymakers and grassroots movements.
Presenting at SSRC25
Savannah recently had the opportunity to present her research at the annual Student Sustainability Research Conference (SSRC) 2025 at the University of Leeds on 5 March, an experience that she found incredibly rewarding:
“Presenting at SSRC25 was a fantastic experience that has boosted my confidence in both myself and my research. Being surrounded by researchers from diverse backgrounds, all working towards a shared goal, was incredibly inspiring. The breadth of knowledge on display was fascinating, and it was an honor to present alongside such talented individuals. Engaging in discussions and receiving feedback not only strengthened my understanding of my own work but also broadened my perspective on the wider field.”
Looking to the future
As Savannah looks ahead, she hopes her research will inspire further studies on the influence of activism and its effects on policy and societal change. She also aims for her findings to serve as a valuable resource for grassroots movements, offering evidence-based recommendations on maximising impact. Ultimately, Savannah hopes to contribute to a deeper understanding of activism’s role in shaping environmental policy and driving effective strategies for change.
When asked about her post-graduation plans, she shared: “I'm hoping to go into a career of environmental consultancy and policy.”
We are proud to support Savannah Davies in her research endeavours at the University of York. Her dedication and passion exemplifies the power of academic inquiry in addressing real-world challenges. Particularly, congratulations to Savannah who won an award at the SSRC25 for her poster.
Stay tuned for more stories showcasing the incredible work being done across our student community.