Yunfei Li
Being a Public Scholar means going beyond the boundaries of traditional academic research. It is about engaging with society in bold and creative ways, while keeping the public good at the centre. My work focuses on climate engagement, and as a Public Scholar I aim to explore new ways to support behavioral and mindset shifts that can foster collective climate action for a better future.
Research description
What does being a Public Scholar mean?
To me, being a Public Scholar means going beyond the boundaries of traditional academic research. It is about engaging with society in bold and creative ways, while keeping the public good at the centre. My work focuses on climate engagement, and as a Public Scholar I aim to explore new ways to support behavioral and mindset shifts that can foster collective climate action for a better future.
In what ways do you think the PhD experience can be re-imagined with this Initiative?
I think PhD research can and should be re-imagined as something more connected to the public and to real-world challenges. The Public Scholars Initiative supports this by encouraging interdisciplinary approaches and partnerships that reach beyond academia. For me, it means having the opportunity to test new ways of engaging the public on climate issues and to learn how research can directly support communities and policy.
How do you envision connecting your PhD work with broader career possibilities?
My PhD work helps me build skills in public engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration and communicating across different audiences. These skills are valuable not only in academia, but also in government, non-profits, international organizations and private sectors that are working on climate and sustainability. Therefore, my PhD experience can open up more possibilities for my career pursuits. I also regard my research as a foundation for a career that bridges evidence and practice, and that supports climate action through both policy and public engagement.
How does your research engage with the larger community and social partners?
My research is built around direct engagement with the public. Through the Urban Future Walks, I collaborate with community groups and local partners to design walking tours that connect people with real-world climate solutions in Vancouver. Running these tours is not only for the purpose of field experiments but also creates opportunities for open dialogue, learning and shared reflection. The findings from my research will also provide insights that can help organizations and policymakers design more inclusive and effective approaches to climate engagement.
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
I decided to pursue a graduate degree because I want to contribute to meaningful solutions to climate change, one of the most pressing challenges of today and the near future. Through my studies and professional experience, I came to realize that technical innovations and policies alone are not enough — we need to reimagine the system as a whole, especially the way we relate to climate issues while envisioning a better future. What fascinates me is how to effectively engage people in sustainable behaviors, foster positive emotions and inspire broader mindset shifts that make climate action possible. A PhD gives me the opportunity to study these questions in depth, test new approaches and collaborate with partners and communities to ensure research can create real public impact.
Why did you choose to come to British Columbia and study at UBC?
I chose to study at UBC because I feel strong resonance with the values of the Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability (IRES) of UBC. At IRES, research is not only about advancing science, but also about connecting knowledge to people and solutions, with diversity, equity and justice in mind. This aligns with my own goal of contributing to a more sustainable and inclusive future. UBC also offers a world-renowned academic environment with many researchers I greatly admire, whose work inspires me to think across disciplines and connect research to practice. In addition, I believe Vancouver provides a unique setting for my studies, as the city itself is at the forefront of climate action and offers an ideal context to explore how climate transitions can be advanced in real world.
