The Best Climate Crisis Campaigns – and How to Get Involved

Kids pronouncing ‘glyphosate’ with nonchalance is the antidote to cynicism about the climate crisis – and following Extinction Rebellion’s recent takeover of central London, we’re seeing increased awareness of the urgent necessity to build a greener society. But with multiple protest formats, social media campaigns and crowdfunding platforms to choose from, it can be hard to identify the most effective means of participation. Whether you want to join a non-violent sit-in, change the way you recycle, or financially support your local organisations, here’s our pick of the campaigns building towards a safer, sustainable future.

The climate coalition – #thetimeisnow

With 130 organisations, The Climate Coalition is the UK’s largest group of people from all walks of life dedicated to action against climate change, and it invites you to join #thetimeisnow, one of the most significant conversations about climate change the country has ever seen. On June 26th, the Government will decide whether to end the UK’s contribution to climate change by committing to a net zero emissions target, and will also have the chance to end nature’s decline by committing to a strong Environment Bill. You can join physically, or digitally, by sending your own message on the online map.

Extinction Rebellion – #jointherebellion

On 31st October 2018, Extinction Rebellion assembled in London’s Parliament Square to announce a Declaration of Rebellion against the UK Government, with 1500 attendees uniting in peaceful civil disobedience. Then, an international rebellion began this April, enthusiastically joined by the youngest generations, made up of localised protest groups connected in a complex web that is constantly evolving. In this way, the movement is participatory, decentralised, and inclusive. If you want to get involved in the #extinctionrebellion, you can check the map below to find a group near you; otherwise, you can start your own group by looking at their Resources section.

Friends of the Earth – #stopplasticpollution

If you recycle at home, you owe it to Friends of the Earth. It might seem normal now, but it was a hard-fought campaign by FoEI, the international network of environmental organisations working in 74 countries around the world. Although the government has taken some promising steps in the right direction in tackling things like plastic straws and cotton buds, by signing their campaign you’ll support the Plastic Pollution Bill to phase out plastic pollution from all its sources. 

Greenpeace – Click Clean

Thanks to its provocative and iconic protests, Greenpeace became one of the most incisive organisations in the world. Their commitment to defending the planet and promoting peace, achieving positive change through action, and to realising the vision of a green world is as strong as ever.

Greenpeace’s Click Clean campaign focuses on the apps we use day-to-day to chat, enjoy music, and watch TV and film. The energy needed to power the huge, power-hungry data centres that store our photos, chats and videos is incredible; Click Clean aims to raise awareness of the responsibility of tech companies to be as innovative about the environment as they are their products.

Keep Britain Tidy – #LoveParks

Keep Britain Tidy is an independent charity with three goals – to eliminate litter, end waste and improve places, creating clean beaches, parks and streets, sustainable practices and eliminating unnecessary waste. During the #LoveParks week 12-21 July​, you’ll be able to celebrate the very best green spaces through the international Green Flag Award and People’s Choice vote, encouraging everyone to get out and enjoy their favourite park – and help to protect them for future generations.

Sustain – New Agriculture Bill

Over 70% of the UK is farmland, yet in recent years soils have been depleted, water courses degraded and nature has struggled to cope with the pace of change. We have seen declines in over 600 farmland species over the last 50 years. Sustain, the alliance for better food and farming, advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals. Their platform enables users to connect directly with MPs to make farm policy fit for our future, taking into consideration the impact that Brexit will have on reforming trade legislation for farmers, at home and abroad.