The Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST)

@cast-centre.bsky.social

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We are the Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST); a global hub for understanding the crucial role that people play in fighting climate change. Based at the University of Bath and across five institutions, ESRC-funded. www.cast.ac.uk

Promotional recruitment graphic from the Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations. Large headline reads “We are hiring!” with “hiring!” in pink. Below, the text it states: “Position: PhD studentship”, “Institution: University of Manchester”, and “Deadline: Friday, 7 August 2026”. A blue button says “Apply now”. The centre’s logo appears in the top left, and the CAST logomark decorates the right side of the image.
Briefing cover for “CAST Briefing 39 – July 2025” featuring a footballer holding a colourful patchwork football against a city skyline. Headline reads: “I would be laughed out the stadium”: How to break climate silence in British football. Below, a “Key messages” section, with logos for the Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations and Pledgeball at the bottom.
Close-up of CAST Director, Prof Lorraine Whitmarsh MBE, who has short hair and glasses, gesturing while speaking into a microphone at an LSE Festival panel on "Can football catalyse climate action?" with an LSE-branded backdrop behind.
Graphic banner from the Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST) announcing recruitment for two PhD studentships. Large text reads “We are hiring!” followed by details: “Positions: x2 PhD studentships,” “Institutions: University of Manchester,” and “Deadline: 7 July + 7 August 2026.” A blue “Apply now” button appears below. The design features a light background with the CAST logomark and its logo in the top left.
Graphic with Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations logo and the headline “We are hiring!” in large text. Details below list: “Position: Research Associate,” “Institution: University of Bath,” and “Deadline: Tuesday, 16 June,” with a blue “Apply now” button. The CAST logomark appears on the right-hand side.
Graphic featuring a circular black‑and‑white portrait of Dr Victoria Harvey on the left and a quote on the right. The quote reads: "The UK prides itself on climate leadership, and yet WPP, the supposed jewel of the British advertising industry, is facilitating dangerously misleading advertising in the US. By creatively articulating the deception from big oil and gas, WPP has set the climate agenda back and continues to do so." Attribution: Dr Victoria Harvey. Bottom left shows the Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations logo on a teal background.
Cover of CAST Briefing 47 (April 2026). A cover image of several hands using tablets and styluses over ESG charts and documents, with a central tablet displaying a green ‘Net Zero Emission’ dashboard with climate and energy icons, is at the top. Title text reads ‘How to design climate policies that accelerate emission reductions’.” The Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST) logo sits at the bottom.
The CAST Briefing 46 cover, dated April 2026. An aerial photograph shows the ruins of Flint Castle in Flintshire, Wales. The landscape has tidal flats, winding paths through green fields, and the ruins of a historic castle in the foreground. The main title reads: “Helping local authorities make decisions that benefit people and the planet: Trialling an integrated assessment tool in Wales.” A boxed section labelled “Key messages” appears below, followed by the CAST Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations logo and organisational text at the bottom.
Graphic banner from the Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST) announcing “We are hiring!” Details include two PhD studentships at the University of East Anglia, with a deadline of 16–20 April. A blue “Apply now” button appears on the left, with circular graphic elements on the right.
Graphic with the Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST) logo. Large text reads ‘We are hiring!’ Details below list: Positions – four PhD studentships; Institutions – University of Bath and University of East Anglia; Deadline – 9–20 April. A blue button at the bottom says ‘Apply now’. The design features the CAST logomark in the background."
Prof Lorraine Whitmarsh MBE and Dr John Jamir Benzon R. Aruta, are standing in the University of Bath Psychology building next to a tall purple banner that reads “Welcome to the Department of Psychology” with the University of Bath logo at the top. The banner displays several photographs related to psychology and research. The individuals are wearing outdoor clothing and backpacks, and they are positioned in a bright lobby area with white walls, seating, and a digital screen displaying posters and a QR code.
Graphic with the Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations logo in the top left. Large text reads ‘We are hiring!’ with ‘hiring!’ highlighted in pink. Below, text states: ‘Positions: x5 PhD studentships. Institutions: University of Bath & University of East Anglia. Deadline: 18 March – 20 April.’ A blue button at the bottom left reads ‘Apply now.’ CAST's logo mark appears on the right side of the graphic.
A recruitment graphic for the Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations. The text reads: “We are hiring!” followed by details: “Positions: Research Project Manager + Research Fellow. Institution: University of Bath. Deadline: Sunday, March 15th + Monday, March 16th.” A blue button at the bottom says “Apply now.” The design includes the CAST logomark in the right corner.
A graphic with a circular photo of Prof Lorraine Whitmarsh MBE, CAST Director, sitting and reading The Climate Book against a window. Next to the image is a quotation about women and climate change. The quote highlights that women often have different daily roles and responsibilities, making them well placed to implement critical changes needed to tackle climate change, and notes that many effective climate leaders are women. The quote is attributed to Prof Lorraine Whitmarsh MBE, CAST Director. The Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations logo appears at the bottom left.
A graphic from the Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST). On the left is a circular photo of CAST Director, Prof Lorraine Whitmarsh MBE, sitting by a window and holding an open book. On the right is a quote that reads: "Achieving shifts in carbon reduction fundamentally requires policies that make low-carbon choices easier, more affordable, and integrated into everyday life, so that households, workplaces, and communities can all play their part. I was delighted to be able to present evidence from CAST and the University of Bath as part of the Environmental Audit Committee’s Inquiry into the 7th Carbon Budget." The quote is attributed to Prof Lorraine Whitmarsh MBE, CAST Director. The CAST logo appears at the bottom left.
A graphic with the Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations logo at the top left. Large text reads ‘We are hiring!’. Below, text states: ‘Position: Research Fellow. Institution: University of Bath. Deadline: Monday, March 16th.’ A blue button at the bottom left says ‘Apply now’. The CAST logomark, a multicoloured circular line of patterns appear on the right side.
Cover page of CAST Briefing 45, dated February 2026, titled: "Climate change in 2050: How athletes envisage the future of sport." The top half shows an image of a panel of two people, including an athlete, seated at a press‑conference style table with microphones. Below it are key messages about athletes’ views on climate impacts on sport, including structural barriers to climate action, anticipated changes to travel and events, expected social changes, and the importance of athlete influence and organisational action. Logos for the Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations and Pledgeball appear at the bottom.
A graphic from the Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST) featuring a photo of CAST Director, Prof Lorraine Whitmarsh MBE, reading a book on the left and a quotation on the right from her, which reads: "This new data shows the UK public are still worried about climate change and most want the UK to cut emissions to net zero by 2050 or sooner. But with the cost-of-living crisis still biting, climate concern and policy support has dropped - highlighting the importance of action to reduce costs of climate action to households. The signs of growing polarisation between voter groups and generations over climate reinforce the need for unifying narratives and policies that achieve improvements in quality of life which are valued universally."
Graphic showing Prof Lorraine Whitmarsh MBE reading a report inside a circular frame, alongside a quote that reads: "Achieving shifts in carbon reduction fundamentally requires policies that make low-carbon choices easier, more affordable, and integrated into everyday life, so that households, workplaces, and communities can all play their part. I was delighted to be able to present evidence from CAST and the University of Bath as part of the Environmental Audit Committee’s Inquiry into the 7th Carbon Budget." The quote is attributed to Prof Lorraine Whitmarsh MBE, CAST Director. The Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations logo appears at the bottom.
Cover page of CAST Briefing 44 (January 2026) titled “From awareness to action: The role of community climate hubs in encouraging low-carbon lifestyles.” The top half shows a wooden community building with a sign reading “Sideshore Community,” decorated with colourful bunting and posters promoting local events. Several people are gathered outside the entrance. The lower half contains key messages in a light green box about how community climate hubs motivate sustainable practices, build knowledge and confidence, foster community cohesion, and share knowledge through networks. Logos of partner organisations appear at the bottom, including CAST, The Greener and Cleaner Hub, European Centre for Environment & Human Health, University of Exeter, and Sideshore Community.
A graphic featuring a quote from CAST Director, Prof Lorraine Whitmarsh MBE, on the UK’s first public participation plan on climate change. On the left, there is a circular photo of Lorraine holding an open book against a window. Below the photo is the logo for the Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST), which includes a circular design and the text “Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations.” On the right, the quote reads: "The publication of the UK’s first public participation plan on climate change is a landmark moment that recognises people-power can accelerate fair and effective climate action that brings wider benefits to society. CAST has played a key role in the plan’s development and will support its delivery.”
The cover page of a briefing document titled “CAST BRIEFING 43 – November 2025” from the Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations. The top section features a photo of several people seated in a discussion setting, suggesting a group conversation or assembly. Below the image, the heading reads: “Using citizens’ assemblies to shape climate policy: A summary of current thinking for policymakers and practitioners.” The main content area contains a box labelled “Key messages” with bullet points. At the bottom, the CAST logo and description appear: CAST is a global hub for understanding how people can act on climate change, hosted by Cardiff University and partners.
A split-screen graphic. On the left, a circular cutout is placed with a picture of Dr Nick Nash over a background of fresh vegetables, including carrots, tomatoes, spinach, and walnuts. On the right, a teal circle contains the text “Evidence for climate policy in Scotland” above a microphone icon. Below the circle is the logo “climateXchange” with an orange and green “X” in the centre.
CAST Knowledge Exchange Associate Bella Zanin (pictured on the right), Jesse Wise (pictured on the left) and another individual are seated at a table at the Sport Positive Awards 2025, engaged in discussion. The table holds clear glasses, cups, and notebooks. Other participants are visible in the background.
Cover of "CAST BRIEFING 42 - October 2025" featuring a photo of enthusiastic rugby fans cheering in a stadium. The title reads "Accelerating sustainability in professional sport: Insights from rugby union." Four key messages are listed in bullet points. Logos of CAST, Pledgeball, and Cardiff University appear at the bottom.
The briefing cover for CAST Briefing 41, titled: 'CAST Briefing 41 – September 2025' with the subtitle 'How to make community sustainability initiatives a success: Insights from a low-carbon travel project in Manchester.' The top features a photo of a street with cars, trees, and a 'School Safety Zone' sign. Below are bullet-pointed key messages about community climate action. The bottom includes the logo and description of the Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST).
The graphic features a golden star made up of sparkling particles on a dark background, with the text 'SPORT+ POSITIVE AWARDS 2025 RESEARCH OF THE YEAR SHORTLISTED' prominently displayed in the centre.
The cover page of CAST Briefing 40: "Denial and delay in UK advertising: The role of the trade bodies in climate action”, which includes a photograph of a large digital billboard with several adverts in London, Piccadilly Circus and 3 key messages in bullet points. The CAST logo is featured at the bottom.
The cover page of ‘CAST Briefing 39: “I would be laughed out the stadium”: How to break climate silence in British football’, which includes a mid-shot of Gareth Bale facing the camera and holding up a multi coloured football, with 4 key messages in bullet points underneath. The CAST and Pledgeball logos are featured at the bottom.
The cover page of CAST Briefing 38: "Strengthening climate policy through social science: Co-developing behavioural indicators for climate action with the Welsh Government", which includes a photograph of Cardiff City Hall under a bright blue sky and 3 key messages in bullet points. The CAST logo is featured at the bottom.
Prof Lorraine Whitmarsh and Philip Howlett speaking on a symposium at the ICEP 2025 conference on "Interventions to trigger high-impact pro-environmental behaviour change."
The cover page for CAST Briefing 37 titled: “When do policymakers accept and reject policy recommendations? Lessons from the UK Climate Change Committee." It includes a photograph of the UK Houses of Parliament and Big Ben under a blue sky with scattered clouds. The CAST logo is featured at the bottom of the page.
A graphic featuring a quote from Prof Lorraine Whitmarsh, CAST Director, alongside her photo. The quote reads: “It’s fantastic to see the CCC’s advice for Scotland prioritising public engagement and practical support to help households and businesses adopt low-carbon behaviours. […] Our research shows that information alone isn’t enough to change behaviour — practical support is essential. We therefore welcome the CCC’s call for government-backed measures to help households install low-carbon heating and insulation, and to expand wider infrastructure such as EV charge points and public transport.” Below the quote is her name and title. The Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations logo is displayed at the bottom left.
A headshot picture of Dr Christina Demski and the CAST logo underneath; next to this is a quote from her that reads: "Current climate adaptation plans are inadequate and need urgent improvement. A new approach is needed to prepare for and respond to the multiple climate impacts that the UK is facing. [...] It is therefore vital that we have a vision and clear objectives for a well-adapted UK as the CCC report calls for. I would strongly advocate for co-producing this vision with stakeholders and communities from across the UK to ensure its inclusive and comprehensive as possible."
A picture of a tree stump in a forest with a bright blue illustration of mushrooms in front of it, followed by big bold text which reads: "Fixing our Broken Planet, Generation Hope." The Natural History Museum logo is in the top left corner.
A headshot picture of Prof Lorraine Whitmarsh MBE and the CAST logo underneath; next to this is a quote from her that reads: “The Net Zero Citizens' Survey report highlights that people can be agents of change in many different ways, and that governments need to provide opportunities to tap into this ‘people power’ to accelerate progress on net zero. This more people-led approach also offers wider benefits to wellbeing, inclusion, and prosperity than just focusing on energy supply or technologies alone.”
The CAST team at the 2025 Annual Assembly in Queen Square, Bath.
A CAST banner with the logo and headline: "We are hiring!" with details of the position, institution and deadline for applying.
The cover page for CAST Briefing 34 with a horizontal image of a man in a tuxedo on the red carpet having pictures taken by paparazzi and being interviewed.
The cover page for CAST Briefing 34 with a horizontal image of a man in a tuxedo on the red carpet having pictures taken by paparazzi and being interviewed.
A CAST-branded infographic created by Motion Manor demonstrates the cycle of Leading by Example on Climate Change with colourful illustrations of people.
The front cover of the CAST Key Messages Report with an illustration of two women looking out from an apartment balcony onto the countryside with two houses visible nearby.
The cover page for CAST Briefing 34 with a horizontal image of a man in a tuxedo on the red carpet having pictures taken by paparazzi and being interviewed.
The front cover of the CAST report: "Community climate hubs: the Greener and Cleaner peer-learning model for low-carbon lifestyles" with a large cover image taken outside "the Library of Things" Greener & Cleaner Hub. The cover includes the University of Bath, CAST and Greener & Cleaner logos.
A graphic featuring the CAST logo with text advertising five CAST PhD studentships based at the University of East Anglia (UEA) and the University of Bath. The deadlines are Feb 17th and 28th.
The front cover of CAST briefing 24: 'Moments of Change' for Low-Carbon Behaviour which features 5 key messages and a cover image of diverting train tracks in black and white.
The cover page of CAST Briefing 35: "Clamping down on fossil fuel advertising: What industry professionals want policymakers to know (and do)", which includes a landscape photograph of a flooded gas station and 4 key messages in bullet points.
A banner advertising that we are hiring a new CAST Research Associate, based at the University of Bath.