cast.ac.uk | The Centre for Climate and Social Transformations

Our Vision

The Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST) will be a global hub for understanding the systemic and society-wide transformations that are required to address climate change. At its core, is a fundamental question of enormous social significance: how can we as a society live differently - and better - in ways that meet the urgent need for rapid and far-reaching emission reductions?

People at the heart of transformations

We want to understand how people can participate in transformation in their multiple roles as citizens, consumers, parents, employees, business leaders, policy-makers. This means recognising that people can act both directly to reduce emissions – like driving less – but equally have the ability to shape wider structural change – like changing organisational practices and shaping policies.

A focus on values and co-benefits

We set out to align the positive outcomes of action on climate change with those in other domains like health and wellbeing. CAST will seek to identify low-carbon futures and actions that also provide other co-benefits - like cleaner air, lower bills, more resilient or fairer communities.

"We want to work closely with people and organisations to achieve positive low-carbon futures - transforming the way we live our lives, and reconfiguring organisations and cities."

Prof. Lorraine Whitmarsh, CAST director

Explore our four areas of focus

Find out why we are focusing on four key areas: Diet, Mobility, Material Consumption and Thermal Comfort.

Our including policy briefings, working papers, academic articles and other resources explore the science of climate action.

We believe effective change requires working with people to understand their values and needs.

Share your experiences of social distancing to support our research

We are conducting a large-scale on-line survey to develop an initial picture of the immediate changes to everyday routine experienced by UK households while social distancing measures are in place (particularly with regards to food-related routines, exercise and home working). You can take part in the survey by clicking here…

Covid, climate change & citizens’ assemblies: the critical role of deliberation for planned transitions

This blog by Dr Adam Corner is re-posted with the kind permission of Climate Outreach. A core CAST partner, Climate Outreach are Europe’s leading climate change communicators, bridging the gap between research and practice and helping to widen engagement across a broader spectrum of society. The original post can be…

Our Vision

People at the heart of transformations

A focus on values and co-benefits

"We want to work closely with people and organisations to achieve positive low-carbon futures - transforming the way we live our lives, and reconfiguring organisations and cities."

Explore our four areas of focus

Browse our resources

People at the heart of change

News from CAST

Share your experiences of social distancing to support our research

Covid, climate change & citizens’ assemblies: the critical role of deliberation for planned transitions

NEWSLETTER