A new campaign spearheaded by the UK-based charity Carbon Copy, in partnership with WWF-UK, The Carbon Literacy Project, and Climate Emergency UK, is calling attention to the power of local actions in the fight against climate change. The campaign, set to run through 2025, highlights “25 Big Local Actions” that individuals, communities, and businesses can take to make a significant impact on climate and nature, right where they live.
Empowering Local Communities:
The collaborative initiative aims to inspire and motivate communities across the UK to take action that will collectively create a large-scale effect on climate change. By focusing on locally driven solutions, the campaign hopes to build stronger, more resilient communities while addressing critical environmental challenges. These actions aim not only to mitigate climate change but also to improve community wellbeing and create a sense of connection among participants.
Ric Casale, Trustee of Carbon Copy, highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating: “The power to tackle climate change doesn’t lie solely in national policy – local solutions already exist, and they are proving to be transformative.”
The 25 Big Local Actions:
The “25 Big Local Actions” are grouped into seven key themes: Buildings & Places, Circular Economy, Food & Agriculture, Local Powers, Nature, Renewable Energy, and Transport. Each action represents an opportunity for individuals and communities to make a meaningful difference.
Casale explained, “Climate action takes many forms, and the 25 actions offer something for everyone to get involved with. We encourage people to take part in the one that resonates with them most, whether it’s reducing emissions or helping nature thrive.”
A National Network of Inspiration:
Backed by a robust online platform, Carbon Copy has collected over a thousand climate action stories from across the UK. These stories serve as a testament to the power of local action and its potential to change the narrative around climate action.
This collaboration is a part of the wider goal of moving people from inspiration to practical, actionable steps. The stories and case studies will be shared on Carbon Copy’s website, giving individuals a wealth of information and resources to draw from.
Partnering for a Greater Impact:
Key partners such as WWF-UK, The Carbon Literacy Project, and Climate Emergency UK bring their expertise to the campaign. Kathryn Machin, Head of Community Engagement Campaigns at WWF-UK, noted, “Local action is vital not only for restoring nature but for improving mental health, strengthening community bonds, and helping communities adapt to climate shocks.”
Tony Johnson from The Carbon Literacy Project added, “The 25 Big Local Actions campaign fits perfectly with our goal of empowering individuals to take action and drive change toward a low-carbon future.”
Supporting Councils and Local Governments:
In addition to individual and community-driven actions, local governments are an essential part of the solution. The Climate Emergency UK’s Annie Pickering remarked on the role of local councils in delivering change: “Our council climate action scorecards are bringing local climate action into focus, and this campaign helps bring these actions to life.”
The Do Something Bigger Podcast:
A 25-episode podcast series, titled “Do Something Bigger,” will complement the campaign, featuring expert speakers from various sectors. Each episode will explore one of the 25 actions, offering insights and real-world examples to help inspire and mobilize listeners. Special guest co-hosts will also join for several episodes, amplifying the campaign’s message.
Conclusion:
The “25 Big Local Actions” campaign represents a powerful initiative that underscores the ability of individuals and communities to drive impactful change. By focusing on local action, Carbon Copy and its partners are paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.