Sara Octenjak, BSC

I am a researcher at the Knowledge Integration Team of the Earth Sciences Department at BSC. With a Bachelor’s in Political Science and a Master’s in International Energy from SciencesPo Paris, I contribute to European and Spanish projects by leading tasks on stakeholder engagement, communication, impact assessment, and co-creation of climate services. I investigate how climate information can be used to leverage adaptation in society, and I am guided by a commitment to equitable, inclusive practices that support a just ecological transition.

Role in OptimESM: Co-lead of WP7 – Connecting science and people

What motivates you to be part of OptimESM? The fact that OptimESM is producing policy-relevant science. Our insights feeding into reports on climate warming, abrupt changes and tipping points, including IPCC assessments, is what makes it interesting for me. I hope it helps decision makers act with proper urgency and understanding of the climate issue.

I hope that by quantifying and pointing out specific points of risk in the Earth system we can influence policy and increase public understanding of climate change.

What particular perspective, skills or expertise do you bring to OptimESM? I am very motivated to contribute to societal impact, and I hope that with my communication skills, policy-awareness and interdisciplinary thinking I can help use the climate science advances made in the project to raise awareness on the most pressing issues.

What impact do you hope OptimESM will have, for science or society? I hope that by quantifying and pointing out specific points of risk in the Earth system we can influence policy and increase public understanding of climate change. I believe that having more science-based policies and better climate literacy is critical for collective action and democratic decision-making.