Things you can do in your community to tackle climate change

Climate change is such a big, complex issue that sometimes it feels like our individual actions don’t make a difference, but small community actions can actually have a huge impact in tackling climate change. Though climate change is a global issue, we often feel the impacts locally and so we need everyone to get involved and take part in community action wherever possible. There is so much possibility to create positive change within your community and there is something for everyone, whether that involves organising a fundraising event, emailing your local MP, or simply trying your best to recycle.

Taking part in climate action as a community can be fantastic because it allows you to identify the issues that have the biggest impact on your local area, and you can work together to find solutions. The people in your community will have a variety of skills, interests, resources, and time that can be contributed towards your group efforts, and this will create a diverse and resilient team – never underestimate people power! When we come together as a group, our voice is more likely to be heard, and when local networks and connections are made, we initiate effective, sustainable action. As an extra bonus, taking part in community climate action will bring your community closer together, benefiting both your wellbeing and the environment. Things don’t necessarily need to be directly linked to climate change for it to have a positive impact either, so there are lots of opportunities for getting involved that suit a wide variety of interests.

Just one small action could be the catalyst we need to inspire powerful change, so don’t be afraid to take the first step. There is nothing more empowering than seeing your hard work pay off, so take a look at the list of ideas below and see where you can get started!

Here are some things you can do within your community to help tackle climate change:

Create or join a working group

Even if you only have a small amount of time to help out, every little bit of support helps. How is climate change impacting your community, and is there anything you can do to mitigate and manage this? Perhaps you could put a survey online to see what the wider community thinks, or chat to the people you see on a daily basis? Having conversations about climate change is so important and can be enough on its own to create powerful change. Your working group could also initiate campaigns to encourage recycling, and water and energy conservation.

Send an e-mail

E-mail or write to your local council to learn more about waste disposal and management. Could you ask your MP about local climate policies or strategies for adapting to the impacts of climate change?

Get creative

Share your knowledge and have fun doing it! If someone in your community has a skill they can share, encourage them to hold a workshop. This could include sustainable cooking, bicycle repair, foraging activities, sustainable fashion ideas - wherever your imagination takes you! You could hold a film screening, arts and crafts sessions, or a children’s club centred around climate action. Perhaps you could even start up a community blog, podcast, or website. Another option is reaching out to someone who is trained to facilitate Climate Café sessions to provide support for those who might be experiencing eco-anxiety. 

Inspire the next generation

It is great to involve children and young people, so you could arrange family friendly activities or fun themed days to get your community outside and in nature. You could hold a competition to design signage that encourages people to turn off their car engines whilst sat waiting in traffic; or, better yet, to walk, cycle, or take public transport. Getting young people involved with fundraising events is also a super way to raise awareness whilst generating resources for further action.

Start or join a community garden

Having access to a community garden is great for both physical and mental health. It provides a fantastic opportunity to share knowledge and skills within your community whilst spending time outside, making new friends, and growing your own produce. The produce you grow could be sold to the community to help fund more exciting projects and eating it would also help reduce carbon emissions.

To learn more about gardening for wildlife and nature, visit our Wild About Gardens page.

Protect biodiversity

Speak to your local council about how important it is to let road verges grow wild and encourage people to grow nectar rich plants and wildflowers in gardens and public spaces. Collaborate with local businesses, schools, and other stakeholders to improve areas for wildlife. You could also advocate for more green spaces in your community areas and encourage participation in campaigns such as No Mow May and 30 Days Wild. Where possible, ensure that your local area is safe for wildlife by creating homes, wildlife corridors, and stopping the use of chemicals. Organising a litter pick or beach clean in your local area is another fantastic way to engage your community and protect wildlife.

Enter the Wilder Kent Awards

Whether you’re experienced with community climate action or just starting out, entering the Wilder Kent Awards scheme is a wonderful way of showcasing your progress and receiving acknowledgement for your hard work and effort. The Wilder Kent Awards recognise and celebrate the action taken by communities and schools to help create a Wilder Kent. Make sure to check out the webpage for more information about what the awards are and how to enter.

Taking action within your community, no matter how small, is a big part of tackling climate change. We are so much stronger and resilient together. Remember that it only takes a tiny step to create a catalyst for powerful change, and that your collaboration has the potential to inspire others to do the same. Together let’s create a Wilder Kent!