CAST Phase 1 ran from 2019-2024.
Here’s what we achieved…
What we learnt from our first five years of research:
1) People are key to climate action and have multiple roles to play. Policy and media discourse on climate solutions tends to frame people merely as ‘consumers’. However, people’s power reaches far wider than that. We need action across all levels of society and in all sectors to drive change.
2) There is conditional public support for decisive action on climate change. The public ‘get’ climate change. Most people are concerned about it and want governments and industry to lead the way in solving it. People are more supportive of climate policies that are fair, deliver non-environmental benefits and retain freedom of choice.
3) Transformative change should embrace diverse perspectives and act on systemic barriers. Climate policies and initiatives must consider the vast range of views, values and circumstances of different individuals and communities. Sustainable choices must be easy, affordable and normal.
Some impact highlights from Phase 1:
In our first five years we have…
- Co-designed a tool for local authorities to help them assess new plans according to sustainability criteria
- Helped the Scottish Government create a strategy for reducing car travel
- Raised awareness of sustainable travel in Manchester
- Trained policy officials, researchers and practitioners on topics such as climate communications and behaviour change
- Helped Cornwall Council boost active transport
- Increased knowledge among climate organisations about how to engage with MPs
- Informed Anglican Water’s strategy for conserving water
- Helped Massive Attack deliver a low-carbon concert
- Informed the Welsh Government’s strategy on public engagement with climate change
- Raised awareness among research and climate community as to the need for greater diversity in climate work
- Enabled people in the climate space to form new connections by hosting roundtables and events
Read more about our plans for CAST Phase 2 (2024-2029)
CAST’s 2024 Showcase
In March 2024, the CAST Showcase: ‘People at the Heart of Climate Action’ brought together 120 researchers, policymakers and practitioners at London’s Coin Street Conference Centre to celebrate five years of CAST’s groundbreaking research.
With engaging presentations, interactive breakout discussions, a walk-through exhibition, and a powerful poetry performance by Billie Meredith, the event explored how people drive climate action and considered the next steps for rapid change.
It was great to meet some of our affiliates and partners in person, and see so many people come together to talk about building a more sustainable future.
“I have learnt how important (high quality) community and citizen engagement is.”
“What I’ve heard at the CAST Showcase will be really useful in influencing local and regional government.”
“I will use what I’ve learnt today in my work with young people. I am aiming to help school students think about how to change behaviour amongst their peers and families.”
“Moving forward, I will take into my work a wider perspective on climate social transformations and a greater consideration of how people are impacted by climate change.”