01 Sep Changing the World Together: Top UK Climate Change Activist Organisations Making a Difference

Activist groups globally play very crucial roles in driving social changes and influencing public opinion towards a desired change. Within the climate change connect, they have played critical role by raising awareness, promoting policy changes, and encouraging sustainable practises, serving as catalysts for action and driving the necessary shifts towards a more sustainable and resilient future. In the face of the unrelenting global challenge of climate change, UK climate change activist organisations have emerged as brilliant catalysts of transformation, leading the charge towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.

With unwavering dedication and innovative strategies, these organisations are at the forefront of the fight against climate change, leaving an indelible mark both locally and globally. In this article, we will dig into some of UK’s most influential climate change activist organisations. The article will provide an overview of their operations, history, and accomplishments. By this, we hope to inspire readers to join the global movement to combat climate change and safeguard the planet for future generations.

Extinction Rebellion (XR)

Extinction Rebellion (XR) has emerged as a prominent international climate movement, with its roots in the United Kingdom dating back to late 2018. The movement has gained significant attention and influence, largely attributed to its successful mobilisations in April 2019. These mobilisations involved strategically blocking prominent landmarks in London, such as Waterloo Bridge, leading to widespread disruption in what was termed a “climate rebellion.” The protest was part of a broader global campaign organised across 33 other countries. This points to the organization’s global influence.

The Group has three (3) central goals for the UK government to achieve zero carbon emissions by the year 2025, which include: 1) TELL THE TRUTH: Governments must tell the truth by declaring a climate and ecological emergency and working with other institutions to communicate the urgency for change; 2) ACT NOW: Governments must act now to halt biodiversity loss and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2025; 3) GO BEYOND POLITICS: Governments must create and be led by the decisions of a Citizens’ Assembly on climate and ecological justice. XR also advocates for a just transition to a sustainable and equitable society, addressing issues of social and environmental justice in tandem. 

XR’s notable events and accomplishments include organising two international rebellions in 2019, involving hundreds of acts of peaceful civil disobedience around the world. Establishing over 800 chapters in more than 70 countries, Influencing over 20 national climate emergency declarations, hundreds at a local level, and one at a continental level (the European Union), Becoming the number one influencer during the UN’s COP25 in 2019 Disrupting the printing presses of several national newspapers to draw attention to their biassed and misleading coverage of the climate crisis, Launching the Impossible Rebellion in 2021, targeting London’s financial district and demanding an end to fossil fuel investments. 

Friends of the Earth (FoE)

Friends of the Earth is one of the oldest and most respected environmental organisations in the UK, with a history dating back to the early 1970s. They have since grown into one of the world’s largest grassroots environmental networks, with member groups in over 73 countries. The group focuses on a range of environmental issues, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable agriculture. FoE engages in grassroots activism, lobbying, and legal challenges to drive positive change. FoE’s key initiative include; Environmental Advocacy, Grassroots Approach, Climate Justice, Biodiversity Conservation, Sustainable Food and Agriculture (regenerative agricultural practices, advocates for the reduction of harmful pesticides and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and supporting local and organic food systems (regenerative agricultural practices, advocates for the reduction of harmful pesticides and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and supports local and organic food systems), Corporate Accountability, Energy and Resource Efficiency, Public Awareness and Education, etc.

Friends of the Earth has played a significant role in advocating for environmental protection and sustainability over the years. Through their efforts, they have influenced policies, raised public awareness, and contributed to positive changes in environmental practises around the world. A few notable accomplishments include:

Launching the Bee Cause campaign to protect bees and other pollinators from pesticides and habitat loss

Winning the world’s first climate law in the UK in 2008 will achieve an 80% cut in emissions by 2050.

Join in fighting off proposed plans for shale gas testing in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire.

Climate Coalition

The Climate Coalition is a UK-based alliance of over 100 organisations that work together to address climate change and promote sustainable practises (Brulle, 2019). The coalition brings together a diverse range of organisations, including environmental NGOs, faith groups, trade unions, and community organisations, to advocate for climate action and raise public awareness about the urgency of the climate crisis.

Overall, the Climate Coalition has made significant accomplishments in shaping public discourse, influencing policy decisions, mobilising public support, and engaging in international climate advocacy. By bringing together diverse organisations and leveraging collective action, the coalition has been able to drive positive change and contribute to global efforts to address the climate crisis.

The Climate Coalition’s most important accomplishment is reaching millions with their annual Show the Love campaign, a flagship campaign from more than 130 leading organisations, including the National Trust, WWF, and RSPB, with a combined membership of more than 15 million people.

 Conclusion

In our quest for a more environmentally friendly future, it is critical to recognise and support these courageous organisations, as their combined efforts have a significant impact on the fate of our planet. Only by such collaboration can be attain a more sustainable and environmentally conscious world.