Research and civil society collaboration - working together for a safer climate

What kind of ways are there for research and civil society to improve climate safety together? This presentation examines how academics and civil society actors can co-design research-based solutions for supporting a safer climate. The term ‘climate safety’ is used instead of the more commonly used ‘climate security’ to highlight the human security aspects of the matter, as well as to refer to the concept of ‘safer space’ aiming to create a safe environment for a more inclusive climate change discussion and action.

In addition to scientific data, sustainability transformation requires action, political will and cultural change. Therefore it is important to study and create new theoretical and physical spaces at the intersection of science, art and civil society, and to emphasize two-way communication. Civil society plays a key role in strengthening society's crisis resilience in general, which is also important for climate change mitigation and adaptation. Civil society’s versatile role extends from large-scale assistance to authorities in (climate) crisis situations to creative and independent solutions of local communities. By strengthening civil society’s understanding of science and their voice regarding climate change, we are able to strengthen society’s crisis resilience in terms of climate change and related direct, cascading and transition impacts on security.

The presentation is based on and showcases practical examples from the work of the Initiative for a Safer Climate, a new network that brings together researchers, civil society organizations and arts. The network is based in Finland and it is part of the outreach activities of the Atmosphere and Climate Competence Center consisting of University of Helsinki, Tampere University, University of Eastern Finland and the Finnish Meteorological Institute.