Migration
Environmental degradation and climate-related disruptions contribute to displacement, migration and the abuse of basic human rights creating new humanitarian and social challenges.
ABOUT CASSANDRA
A global community for local action
Cassandra is an international initiative that connects community organisations, researchers, universities, technology centres, policymakers, NGOs and other stakeholders working on the sociopolitical consequences of climate change.
Our mission is simple:
- To support local community-led responses to climate-related challenges by facilitating knowledge exchange, collaboration and mutual learning between communities and science.
- Rather than imposing solutions, Cassandra promotes partnerships that respect local priorities, lived experience and community leadership.
A sociopolitical approach to climate change
- Climate change is not only an environmental challenge. It affects health, drives migration, exacerbates inequalities, threatens basic human rights and increases the risk of conflict. Around the world, local communities are already responding to these challenges with imagination, knowledge, experience and action.
- Cassandra exists to strengthen those efforts by connecting local community organisations, researchers, institutions and relevant partners through a global network built on trust, knowledge exchange and collaboration.
The effects of climate change are felt locally, but their consequences are increasingly global
- We believe that meaningful climate action starts with the affected local communities. By bringing together pre-existing local initiatives, scientists, technologists, researchers, relevant institutions and partners, Cassandra creates opportunities for dialogue, cooperation and above all, enhanced collective action in response to the sociopolitical impacts of climate change.
THE CHALLENGES WE ADDRESS
Climate change affects societies in many ways
Conflict Prevention
Climate pressures can intensify competition for resources, social tensions and instability. Furthermore, environmental resources have been transformed into both the victims of armed conflict and a means of waging war, making dialogue and cooperation more important than ever.
Health
Climate change is increasingly affecting public health through extreme weather events, food insecurity, water stress and the spread of disease.
Gender Equality
Women and girls are often disproportionately affected by climate-related impacts, making gender-responsive approaches essential for resilience and adaptation.
THE CASSANDRA MODEL
Three pillars. One objetive.
Local Climate Forums
Pre-existing local community-led organisations and initiatives addressing climate-related challenges on the ground.
Local Climate Forums identify priorities, mobilise their communities, share experiences and ensure that strategic responses faithfully reflect local realities and needs.
Science Embassies
A network of scientists, researchers, universities and technology centres committed to sharing knowledge and supporting communities when requested.
Science Embassies permit local initiatives to receive timely expert support when required. In turn, experts develop beneficial relationships with those working on the ground to better understand the real picture.
Science Communication
Building the skills, practices and connections needed to foster dialogue between science and society.
Cassandra promotes science communication and community engagement. In this way, science and research can assume their sociopolitical responsibilities.
Why they matter
Communities hold knowledge, expertise and solutions. Cassandra is committed to supporting community-led priorities and amplifying local voices.
Why they matter
Trust in science is built through engagement, listening and collaboration. Science becomes most valuable when it is accessible and responsive to community needs.
Why it matters
Effective responses to climate challenges require trust and meaningful cross-sector collaboration. This can only be achieved by scientists and researchers employing open, transparent and above all, accessible means of communication.
WHO IS BEHIND CASSANDRA
Cassandra is coordinated by Eurecat, a leading European technology and innovation centre, together with an international network of community organisations, researchers and partners.
Eurecat believes that technology centres, universities and research institutions must recognise that they have a social responsibility to work closely with society as a whole, to join forces and help unite the social helix of modern society. Eurecat acts as a neutral convener, bringing together communities, scientists and institutions to foster collaboration, strengthen connections and create opportunities for knowledge to be shared, recognised and most importantly, translated into meaningful action.
WITH THE SUPPORT OF:
