Taking Action on Climate Change

Scenario: You are from a refugee background and you have lived in a large UK city for several years. Most of your time is focused on work and family, but you are deeply worried about the worsening droughts and agricultural crises in your country of origin and the link to climate change.  Your family and friends back home are struggling, and you feel the need to take action. However, you don’t know where to start. You wonder if joining a campaign, working with others, or raising awareness could make a difference.

Objective: This example explores how to take action on a more global issue, like climate change, which may feel overwhelming. The scope for local action and impact may be limited, given the global scale of the issue. What could you do in this case to have your voice heard?

Key questions to think about:

• Who are the main actors at the local level? How should you contact them?
• What types of action are possible at the local, national and international level? Could you take part in them?
• What are the specific interests and priorities of the different actors involved?
• How can a local campaign be organised and what would be its aim?

People in the scenario:        

• Concerned resident (You) – Wants to take action but isn’t sure how.
• Friend or colleague – Sympathetic but unsure what can be done.
• Climate activist – Leads local environmental group, knows about campaigning.
• Member of Parliament’s office – Can explain how political engagement works.
• Journalist – Interested in highlighting global climate injustice.

EXERCISE (20 mins): Global problems can feel overwhelming, but solutions often start by connecting with others. Consider how you would explore and act on this issue, who you would contact, and what might be your key message. Be clear about the experience and expertise you can bring to the topic. And how will you make use of your limited time? Read about a possible response here. 

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