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Climate change is an ongoing concern worldwide, as it’s impacting the entire globe simultaneously. The UK has emerged as a leading activist for improving the climate, as a movement of British Citizens is demonstrating that individual actions can make a huge difference on an international scale. This only improves further with a combined effort from the likes of certain movement groups in the country.
British citizens are increasingly recognising their shared responsibility and actively uniting to champion global environmental action. This guide will explore this in more detail and give you a better understanding of how British citizenship or indefinite leave to remain holders are making a big difference to the global environment. Continue reading to find out more.
Global Environmental Actions by British Citizens
Extinction Rebellion (XR)
Extinction Rebellion (XR) is an international, decentralised and politically non-partisan grassroots movement that emerged in the UK in 2018. Its core mission is to compel governments and institutions to take urgent and decisive action on the ecological emergency through non-violent civil disobedience and direct action. XR believes that traditional methods of protest, such as petitions and lobbying, have largely failed to bring about the necessary systemic change to address the escalating environmental crisis.
XR have local groups worldwide, including over 1,000 in the UK and their actions have raised awareness and influenced policy changes all around the globe. They have three primary demands for governments:
- “Tell the Truth” by declaring an ecological emergency and communicating its severity
- “Act Now” by committing to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2025
- “Go Beyond Politics” by creating and being led by the decisions of a Citizens’ Assembly on climate and ecological justice.
The movement draws inspiration from historical non-violent movements like the suffragettes, the civil rights movement and Occupy.
Local Action Groups
These groups focus on localised environmental issues, such as campaigning for local authorities to declare climate emergencies and implementing sustainable practices. Their actions often involve writing letters, submitting petitions, organising public meetings and attending council sessions to present their case for a climate emergency declaration. They highlight the scientific consensus on climate change and the urgency for local governments to acknowledge the crisis and commit to actionable plans.
Once a climate emergency is declared, local action groups in the UK often play a crucial role in monitoring the local authority’s progress. They track whether commitments are being met, scrutinise budgets and continue to advocate for ambitious and effective climate action plans.
Youth Movements
Youth movements in the UK are playing a huge role in global environmental action, as they advocate for and contribute to solutions on an international scale. A prime example is the UK Youth Climate Coalition (UKYCC), a volunteer-led organisation whose mission is to empower young people to take positive action for global climate justice. They actively participate in international forums, such as the UN Climate Change Conferences (COPs).
Programmes like the Global Youth Climate Training, developed in collaboration with the University of Oxford, equip young activists from diverse regions with the knowledge and confidence to engage in international climate policy. This ensures that a broader range of perspectives are heard on the global stage.
International Climate Finance (ICF)
ICF facilitates the flow of financial resources from developed nations, which have historically contributed more to greenhouse gas emissions. It’s also helped less affluent countries that often bear the brunt of climate impacts despite having contributed the least. This funding is crucial for both mitigation and adaptation, as they aim to reduce emissions and build resilience to the impacts of climate change.
The UK government commits significant financial resources to developing countries to support their efforts of improving the environment. This includes funding for renewable energy, nature-based solutions like forest protection and sustainable housing developments around the world.
UK Export Finance (UKEF)
UKEF’s strategy is to position UK exporters at the forefront of the low-carbon transition. This involves providing favourable financing terms for overseas buyers of UK-manufactured green technologies and services. This effectively enables projects that might struggle to secure funding. UKEF’s interventions help to accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices and renewable energy on a global scale, while simultaneously boosting the UK’s green export sector.
UKEF also actively promotes the application of international standards for environmental, social and human rights due diligence in the projects it supports, aiming to maximise positive impacts on communities overseas.
COP26
The UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), held in Glasgow, brought together world leaders, policymakers and activists to negotiate climate agreements and commitments. The event also featured a variety of side events, including the Climate Connection, which showcased artistic and scientific responses to the climate crisis.
Countries were urged to revisit and strengthen their 2030 emissions reduction targets in 2022, rather than waiting until 2025. This was due to them recognising the urgency of action and making the impact relevant to struggling countries in the world.
Conclusion
British citizenship holders are increasingly demonstrating a powerful and multifaceted commitment to global environmental action, as they are making tangible efforts to improve the world’s carbon footprint. From local communities to international policy arenas, they are making their presence known and positively impacting climate change globally.