Take Positive Action for a Better Future

We’re working with climate pioneers around the world who are living in communities facing the worst effects of climate change.

Together, we’re developing solutions that mean they’re adapting and thriving in the toughest of conditions.

We can all make positive choices that can make a difference to people at the sharp end of the climate crisis. If you’re looking to take small steps that support climate pioneers around the world, here are seven ideas for you to consider.

Let’s show the world what’s possible when we come together to take action.

1. Share the voices of people on the front line of climate change Follow us on Facebook

The stories and articles we share with friends and family via email or social media make a difference. If you see an interesting social media post about climate change or green solutions, share it so folks in your network see it too.

Every week, we bring you stories of people living in communities on the front line of climate change. People like Sihle (pictured) in Zimbabwe. Sihle was struggling to make a living from farming because climate change has caused more frequent droughts, which destroyed her crops. We worked with Sihle to improve her livelihood with a holistic solution that includes solar-powered irrigation and climate-hardy seeds.

Help spread the word about the impact of the climate crisis on those hardest hit by sharing stories like Sihle’s with your network. Sharing the problems people face can help raise awareness of the issues, but also of local solutions that work, which can help these ideas spread.

2. Encourage your employer or university to join the Race to Zero Join the Race To Zero

Race To Zero is a global initiative, backed by science-based targets, to commit businesses, cities, regions, investors and universities to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 at the very latest. The campaign recognises the importance of many different people and organisations working together in order to tackle climate change.

120 countries, 24 regions, 708 cities, 2,360 companies, 624 universities, and 163 investors have already joined the Race to Zero. It’s the largest ever alliance of its kind. Talk to your employer, city council or university about joining this powerful global alliance and helping to limit the worst impacts of climate change.

3. Inspire the next generation of change makers Explore our education resources

As the impact of the climate emergency intensifies over time, it is the children and young people of today who will face the worst effects.

Our free STEM, science, design and technology resources fit the UK curriculum and engage children in real world issues, including climate change.

They are a fun and hands-on way to introduce kids to the climate challenges being faced by poorer communities.

Whether your children are developing a floating garden, designing an irrigation system for drought-prone farmland or reusing plastic for enterprise, we assure you they will love developing their own ingenious solution to a real world problem.

4. Reduce your own carbon impact by taking one simple step Take action with Count Us In

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed in the face of a challenge with the magnitude of the climate emergency. As individuals, we may not know where to begin – or what changes really make a difference.

Count Us In is building the world’s largest community of people, organisations and platforms taking practical action on climate change. They’ve identified 16 Steps with experts from the UN Environment Programme based on 3 criteria: their impact on your personal carbon pollution, their power to influence leaders and their ability to involve everyone.

5. Get creative with a visual message of hope and action Get Creative

Art and visual communication can change climate change — by sparking our imaginations with visions for a better future, by making complex information understandable, and by inspiring us to act today.

Earlier this year, street artist Natasha Awuku (pictured) created an incredible installation to support our climate change work. It was a powerful example of how art can engage and inspire.

Creatives for Countdown is inviting creatives around the world to contribute to the climate conversation by sharing their illustrations and photography.

The goal is to translate key climate issues into artwork that excites people’s imaginations and raises awareness.

6. Encourage your council to plant some trees Read about the Treescapes Fund

The UK Government-funded Local Authority Treescapes Fund is aimed at establishing more trees in riverbanks, hedgerows, parklands, urban areas, beside roads and footpaths, in copses and shelterbelts, including neglected, disused and vacant community spaces. Trees benefit ecosystems and society by absorbing carbon, supporting biodiversity and providing protection from floods.

Speak to your local authority about the Treescapes Fund. If they haven’t already applied for the grant, encourage them to do so.

7. Switch to green energy for a quick win for the planet Switch to Ecotricity

The simplest and most impactful thing we can all do to reduce our carbon footprint is to review our energy use and switch to the greenest solutions. Even if you’ve already switched to electricity generated from renewable sources, it’s still worth investigating new options that are emerging for gas and even oil.

Ecotricity are offering to donate up to £60 to our work if you switch your electricity and/or gas to them. Ecotricity generates all their electricity from wind and sun parks around Britain. It’s also certified vegan. Their gas is a mix of carbon-neutralised natural gas and sustainable green gas. Instead of paying dividends they invest your bills in building new forms of green energy.

Climate pioneers around the world are adapting and thriving in the toughest of conditions. Let’s join with them by making small changes in our own lives that can make a difference to people at the sharp end of the climate crisis. Together, we can show the world what’s possible when we unite to take positive action.

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