In this blog, ACEVO’s policy officer Shareen Patel gathers recent tools, resources and initiatives to support civil society leaders take an ambitious role in tackling climate breakdown.
“Stay safe” are probably two words most of us have frequently heard following the Covid-19 pandemic. These words quickly reappeared following the recent heatwave, which was far from a comfortable experience for many across the UK, prompting renewed conversations on the rise in global temperatures and the climate crisis we all face.
With temperatures reaching 40 degrees last week and Heathrow Airport reporting 40.2 degrees, the first ever red warning for extreme heat was issued in most parts of England and Wales. We also saw a Level 4 alert issued for the first time since the Heatwave Plan for England was introduced in 2004. There is simply no doubting the seriousness of the climate emergency we’re facing and now more than ever, there is a need for civil society leaders and the Government to act collectively.
So, it was timely that I attended my first climate crisis member meeting last week, which focused on funding for climate-related work. Members voiced their frustration while renewing their commitment to solving the climate emergency. A key takeaway from the discussion was that this is work every organisation can and should be doing together.
Friends of the Earth published worrying research last week showing that the communities set to be most affected by global heating are those with below-average carbon footprints i.e., those less responsible for the climate crisis. Unfair, right? The research goes to show that the top five local authorities with the most ‘at risk’ neighbourhoods are Birmingham, Newham, Tower Hamlets, Hackney, and Nottingham. What is interesting is that the research found that high-risk neighbourhoods for heat are also a result of social vulnerability of the population and action to reduce inequalities will also reduce heat risk. Furthermore, it found that people of colour are four times more likely to live in areas at high risk of dangerous levels of heat and even if the world stays on track to meet the global goal to limit warming to 1.5°C, more than 3,000 of the most vulnerable neighbourhoods – more than six million people – will regularly be exposed to ‘very hot weather’ of 27.5°C for five or more days during the summer months.
With similar heatwaves across Europe – Portugal has seen more than 1,000 heatwave-related deaths recorded last week and in France, several places recorded their highest-ever temperatures last Monday – the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent talked about the “reduced economic output, strained health systems, and rolling power outages” being wider consequences of heatwaves.
E3G published a press release about how the ongoing cost of living crisis and the heatwave have highlighted the risks if the UK Government doesn’t prioritise action to tackle climate change and build a green economy. For that reason, 14 professional bodies have signed a joint letter that calls on the country’s new Prime Minister to maintain the UK’s commitment to delivering its net-zero by 2050 and adaptation targets.
The Government must now revise its climate strategy to show how key emissions reduction targets will be met. This comes after Friends of the Earth, ClientEarth, Good Law Project, and environmental campaigner, Jo Wheatley legally challenged the Government arguing that it failed to set out sufficient policies to tackle climate change and meet its legally binding carbon budgets. During court proceedings, it came to light that behind-the-scenes calculations by civil servants to quantify the impact of emissions cuts from policies in the Government’s Net Zero Strategy did not add up to the reductions necessary to meet the sixth carbon budget – the volume of greenhouse gases the UK can emit during the period 2033-37. The updated strategy will have to be presented to Parliament for scrutiny by MPs.
Acting on the climate crisis
- ACEVO has been gathering a series of case studies platforming positive climate leadership shown in charities, both environmental and non-environmental organisations. We have an open call for case studies so whatever action you have taken – small or large – please feel free to fill in the form. It is a great opportunity to share actions taken, as well as challenges and examples of success.
- ACEVO members: through the ACEVO community, you can share your thoughts on the climate emergency and discuss climate action. You can also ask questions related to the environment, share any ideas you have, and promote understanding of and interest in this area.
- Charity leaders: if you have started this journey and want to share your learning and progress, or if you don’t know where to start and need to pick up tips and tricks from others, please do sign up to our climate and environmental leadership principles. This might sound daunting but by working together we can paint a positive, action-driven picture of what a more climate-conscious sector could look like.
I am always keen to hear from you with any suggested items or resources for this blog, so please feel free to email me at shareen.patel@acevo.org.uk.
