In this blog, ACEVO’s policy officer Maisie Hulbert gathers recent tools, resources and initiatives to support civil society leaders take an ambitious role in tackling climate breakdown on a monthly basis.
A narrated version of this blog is available at the bottom of the page
I hope you enjoyed our last monthly climate update, which you can catch up on here if you missed it. This month there has been lots happening and some exciting upcoming events to register for if you haven’t yet.
Policy updates: G7, Crack the Crises and advice to the Climate Committee
We have seen some big policy developments in the last month with implications for civil society. Firstly, the G7 summit took place between 11 and 13 June, with a strong presence from Crack the Crises pushing forward the fantastic Wave of Hope campaign. Thank you to everyone who supported this campaign, the coalition was pleased to achieve significant media coverage over the weekend.
However, the summit itself failed to deliver the urgent progress needed on a number of issues. G7 leaders did not promise the funding needed to end support for fossil fuels and push for the green revolution the world desperately needs. The failure to distribute sufficient life-saving vaccines across the world was hugely disappointing and leaves millions around the world at risk. You can read Crack the Crises full policy response and a blog from Save the Children outlining some of the key challenges the summit presented.
You can still join Crack the Crises to be part of a community of civil society organisations working to crack the covid, injustice, climate and nature crises. We would love to see greater representation of UK charities working across all subsectors, to identify how we can come together and ensure a just transition for the communities we serve. Head to the Crack the Crises website to find out more.
Finally, the Climate Change Committee has published its latest independent advice report to the government, identifying the climate crisis risks and opportunities for the UK. This advice will inform the government’s next Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA) and drive action. Alarmingly, this evidence shows that the gap between the level of risk we face and the level of adaptation has actually widened. Read the most recent report, and find the history of these comprehensive assessments on the dedicated website which the Committee has set up to provide all the information in one place.
Events
Firstly, London Climate Action Week is happening this week, and there is an amazing range of events – do take a look and explore which are relevant for you and your organisation. Topics include engaging communities with the climate crisis; what to do if you’re feeling doomed about the climate crisis; and integrating waste impacts and solutions into your routine. Don’t miss out and book now.
Secondly, ACEVO members can join us on 1 July at 3pm for our next climate crisis member meeting, exploring how civil society can play a role in the COP26 in November. We are excited to be joined by Nikita Mistry, head of civil society engagement on COP26, to speak on how charities can engage with the summit and upcoming campaigns. Register now for your place at the event.
Finally, our new climate training partner the Centre for Alternative Technology is holding an interactive one hour webinar on 8 July at 12:30pm on the topic of “Tried and tested solutions for a green recovery”. The session will focus on renewable energy, specifically how to develop renewable energy projects and local energy partnerships, as well as considering the challenges, economic benefits and how to replicate such projects. It’s free to attend but you need to book your space in advance. Please do share with your wider team too for anyone who might be interested, and take a look at CAT in our supplier directory for more about their Zero Carbon Britain training programme, free information and advice, and free resources to support your action on net-zero for anyone in your team who would like to learn more.
Resources
There have been a number of interesting and helpful resources that we have seen this month. If you have additional reports to share, please pop them in the ACEVO Community or send them to me.
- In line with our sustainability leadership principles, we know that the climate crisis will impact disadvantaged communities, particularly those living in the global south, most severely. This report from the Equinox Initiative for Racial Justice explores the European Green Deal, but from a racial justice perspective. It makes a number of recommendations about the commitments and changes needed to ensure the European Green Deal delivers an inclusive, just and sustainable future for all. Read now.
- John Ball, a member of our climate crisis member working group and chief executive of the Church of England Pensions Board, has written a blog exploring how charities can use investments to promote a just transition. This is one of the most tangible ways in which we have power as leaders of organisations to affect change, so please give the blog a read and reflect on whether a conversation could be had about your own investments.
- A reminder that you can still sign up to our sustainability leadership principles – it doesn’t matter if you’re just starting your journey or you’ve already ticked a few things off. We just hope the principles provide a framework for you to structure your thinking moving forward. Sign up here.
- Colleagues at Heart of the City have set up a new initiative for SMEs based in the City of London on taking 4 steps to climate action together. The scheme provides a chance to accelerate your climate action, exploring what net zero means; why it is important; and bespoke toolkits to build your knowledge and public commitment to action. Find out more on whether you’re eligible to apply for a place on the pilot.
I hope this blog is useful, and as ever please do make your own suggestions and submissions for our next climate roundup. Feel free to contact me with any questions about resources or support ACEVO could be offering in this space.
