cast.ac.uk

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.

Early career researcher to advise government climate change policy

Research Associate, Dr Caroline Verfuerth, has secured a major fellowship in Welsh Government to advise policy makers on reducing environmental and agricultural carbon emissions. Caroline, who works at the Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST) at Cardiff University, will carry out behavioural and social change research within the Department of…

Climate emergency declarations: what do they tell us about universities response to climate change?

This piece was originally published by the Place-based Climate Action Network (PCAN) and is reproduced here with their permission. By Briony Latter The past two years have seen a sustained and high level of publicity around climate change in the UK, with the concept of climate change as an emergency becoming…

CAST Director Prof. Lorraine Whitmarsh recognised with MBE in New Year Honours list for Services to Social Research in Climate Change, Energy and Transport.

Leading environmental psychologist, Professor Lorraine Whitmarsh, has been recognised in this year’s New Year’s Honours, announced by The Cabinet Office. Awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition of work she has led on behaviour change and public engagement towards more sustainable futures, Professor Whitmarsh’s recognition follows…

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

Early career researcher to advise government climate change policy

Climate emergency declarations: what do they tell us about universities response to climate change?

CAST Director Prof. Lorraine Whitmarsh recognised with MBE in New Year Honours list for Services to Social Research in Climate Change, Energy and Transport.

NEWSLETTER