What can I do to stop climate change? Travel, food and more

Urgent action on climate

In August 2021, the UN released its latest scientific report on climate. The report was widely reported as "code red for humanity", and was the starkest warning yet of the need for urgent action.

The challenge seems overwhelming, but solutions are in reach. Whether that's joining a community group and working at a local level, or calling in government to invest in green jobs, we can all play a role in protecting people and planet.

Here's some ideas to get you started.

1. Take action in your community

Climate Action groups are the local solution to a global crisis.

Right now people just like you are coming together to develop practical, local solutions and make their towns and cities more climate-friendly.

Are you ready to join them? Find out what's happening near you.

Join a local action group
Protesters staged a protest against the proposed coal mine in Kendal. Image courtesy of Henry Adams.
Women at Climate march 2014

2. Ask the government to act on climate

Polling reveals that two thirds of Britons believe climate change is as serious as coronavirus, and the majority want climate to be prioritised in our economic recovery.

Together we need to urge our leaders to create climate-friendly communities across the country, with warm homes, clean air, green jobs and thriving wildlife.

Ask the government to act on climate
Women at Climate march 2014
Campaigners from Save Druridge Bay

3. Become a member

We can't fight climate breakdown without the help of people like you. 

Will you help fund groundbreaking work to create a greener, fairer world for everyone? Your money could:

  • Provide 200+ local action groups with essential resources and training.
  • Ensure our policy and insight team can carry out vital new research to help drive new government policies.
  • Fund our expert campaigners to pressure government to adopt our solution: a plan for a green and fair recovery from coronavirus.
Donate today
Campaigners from Save Druridge Bay
Planet-friendly food: Pumpkin and carrot soup with cream and parsley Top view of pumpkin and carrot soup with cream and parsley

4. Power up on plants

Meat and dairy production is responsible for 14% of global climate-changing emissions.

Too much meat is no good for your health either. Each year we could prevent thousands of early deaths in the UK, and save the NHS a fortune, by eating low-meat or no-meat diets.

There's plenty of easy ways to reduce your impact, for example order a veg box straight to your door or eating less (and better) meat and dairy from local farms.

Cut the impact of your food
Planet-friendly food: Pumpkin and carrot soup with cream and parsley Top view of pumpkin and carrot soup with cream and parsley
Going to work with bicycle

5. Top up your fitness

Petrol and diesel cars spew out lots of climate-wrecking emissions. They also increase air pollution.

Most car trips in the UK are relatively short – under 5 miles. So it's fair to say many of us could be leaving the motor at home more than we are.

Top up your fitness and tackle climate change at the same time by cycling or walking. Too tired? Hop on the bus or train.

Sustainable travel tips
Going to work with bicycle

Ask the government to act on climate

Man installing solar panel

6. Get your electricity from the wind and the sun

Wouldn't it be nice to weaken the big climate polluters that burn fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas?

You can. What's more, every person choosing a green tariff adds to the movement for more renewables.

You could even be in for a surprise saving. Clean tariffs are often cheaper than the standard fixed-rate tariffs most UK households are on.

Man installing solar panel
An evening view of Corfe Castle railway station with no one in sight

7. Take the train, not the plane

Your carbon emissions will be sky high if you fly frequently.

From the mountains of Snowdonia to Cornwall’s beautiful beaches, think about all the beautiful places in the UK you can reach without flying.

Europe is home to some of the world's most beautiful train stations. From the botanical garden at Madrid Atocha, to the Neo-Baroque central station of Antwerp and the powerful Art Deco and Art Nouveau of Milano Centrale. Another reason to ditch the plane for the train.

Take a holiday without flying
An evening view of Corfe Castle railway station with no one in sight

Ask the government to act on climate
Radiator thermostat controller on heater

8. Save energy at home

Even though a lot of our electricity now comes from renewables, the UK still powers up on a lot of climate-wrecking gas. So an energy-guzzling home is bad for the climate as well as your pocket.

Turning off lights and unplugging appliances will help, but your heating could be undoing all your good work. Make a dent in your carbon emissions by properly insulating your home. There are more eco-friendly heating options too, like smart controls and heat pumps.

How to save energy with home insulation
Radiator thermostat controller on heater
Plant coming out of money

9. Move to a green bank

Are your savings for the future being used to make that future worse? Choose a bank that invests in the type of things you agree with.

Our partner, Triodos, invests in socially and environmentally beneficial projects. Your money will help slow climate change, create jobs and drive green industries.

Move to a green bank
Plant coming out of money

More stories about climate change

People stand socially distanced holding signs demanding climate action
What's a Climate Action Plan and can it help your area?
In the last few years, the climate crisis has shot up the agenda in local and national elections. Leaders and decision-makers have been keen to show they take climate seriously. But how can we turn election promises into action?
What's a Climate Action Plan and can it help your area?
In the last few years, the climate crisis has shot up the agenda in local and national elections. Leaders and decision-makers have been keen to show they take climate seriously. But how can we turn election promises into action?
A thermostat showing that the temperature is 63
Eco heating: what are the options?
With soaring energy bills and worse to come, is eco heating the answer? Discover sustainable ways to heat your home, plus other tips to reduce your bills. Mike Childs, Head of Science, Policy and Research at Friends of the Earth, reviews the pros and cons of the best options for homeowners, including heat pumps, insulation and smart controls.
Eco heating: what are the options?
With soaring energy bills and worse to come, is eco heating the answer? Discover sustainable ways to heat your home, plus other tips to reduce your bills. Mike Childs, Head of Science, Policy and Research at Friends of the Earth, reviews the pros and cons of the best options for homeowners, including heat pumps, insulation and smart controls.
Woman in flooded street in Bangladesh
Who is most affected by the climate crisis?
Ahead of the UN climate talks, we look at the communities who are often overlooked when we talk about the climate crisis. We're all impacted, but those impacts are felt differently depending on who, and where, you are. Find out how.
Who is most affected by the climate crisis?
Ahead of the UN climate talks, we look at the communities who are often overlooked when we talk about the climate crisis. We're all impacted, but those impacts are felt differently depending on who, and where, you are. Find out how.