Stephen Kirk

Profile

I am passionate about climate action, global development, nature, people, and solving complex challenges through collaboration, systems thinking, and hope-led action.

As Project and Impact Officer for Sport and Active Lifestyles at the Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission, I lead the development of the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Sustainability Network for Sport and Movement. I work with sports organisations, local authorities, community groups, and environmental partners to support climate action and build a more sustainable and climate-resilient sport sector.

My work focuses on connecting research, policy, and practice to deliver meaningful climate action. This includes identifying barriers to change, building partnerships, responding to climate risks, and developing approaches that create social, environmental, and health benefits for communities across the region.

Alongside this, I support the Commission's Climate Health Partnership, working with Directors of Public Health, NHS Integrated Care Boards, local authorities, and sustainability professionals to advance climate-health action and maximise the health benefits of climate interventions.

My interests include systems change, place-based collaboration, global development, community resilience, and stakeholder engagement. I am motivated by the belief that many of the solutions already exist; the challenge is turning knowledge into action and making that action easier for people and organisations to take.

Working across Yorkshire and the Humber is a privilege. I am continually inspired by the commitment and creativity of communities across the region, which gives me confidence that collaboration can help build a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable future.

Responsibilities

• Project and Impact Officer for the region's Sport Sustainability Network
• Supporting the Climate Health Partnership

Qualifications

• MSc (Hons) Climate Futures: Science, Society and Politics, University of Leeds
• BSc (Hons) Global Development and the Environment, University of East Anglia