System change Put people and planet first

The facade of the Royal Courts of Justice

The social, political and economic systems we live under impact every aspect of our lives. For centuries, these systems have fuelled the climate and ecological crisis and entrenched injustice and inequality.

We need to use the tools at our disposal to change systems so they benefit both people and planet.

That means understanding our democratic right to challenge decisions that affect our local community. Protesting deals that put our environment at risk. And lobbying our government to act in the best interest of people and planet. 

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Get involved in the planning system

We all know that voting in local and national elections is a key way to influence what happens in your local area. But elections only fall every few years.

How can you influence decisions the rest of the time?

Our guide explains how to influence decisions in your area, from requesting information from your local and national decision-makers, to objecting to new building developments in your community.

Know your rights
Large group of people in hall cheering at outcome of Nant Llesg coalmine planning decision

Anti-racism

The 2020 anti-racism protests in the US, UK and across the world serve as a sad reminder of continuing global inequalities. 

A lot of the focus of protests has been on police brutality, but every sector is complicit in historic positive bias towards white people – including the environment movement.

While we've always fought to protect people and planet, we need to maximise our campaigning power to be better allies to people of colour. 

How we're becoming actively anti-racist
Protestors at a Black Lives Matter event

Your questions answered

The backs of two police men on horses, with London scenery in the background where we can see a waving British flag on an old building and people in face masks.
Can we still protest?
Despite strong opposition from across civil society, and weeks of back-and-forth in parliament, most of the government’s anti-protest measures have made it into the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act. Find out what this means for the future of protest.
Can we still protest?
Despite strong opposition from across civil society, and weeks of back-and-forth in parliament, most of the government’s anti-protest measures have made it into the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act. Find out what this means for the future of protest.
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Ten things you should know about trade and climate change
Trade has a huge impact on the climate. But we just don't talk about it. The UK government has pledged to hit net-zero by 2050, and is hosting this year's UN Climate Talks. Yet the links between climate change and the ways we trade are often ignored.
Ten things you should know about trade and climate change
Trade has a huge impact on the climate. But we just don't talk about it. The UK government has pledged to hit net-zero by 2050, and is hosting this year's UN Climate Talks. Yet the links between climate change and the ways we trade are often ignored.
A group of climate protesters of different ages and ethnicities standing outside the Royal Courts of Justice with placards reading "Stop funding gas in Mozambique"
How do our court cases work?
In July 2022 Friends of the Earth secured a court victory against the UK government over its economy-wide climate strategy. But what happens in a climate court case? Lawyer Will Rundle gives us a sneak peek behind the scenes.
How do our court cases work?
In July 2022 Friends of the Earth secured a court victory against the UK government over its economy-wide climate strategy. But what happens in a climate court case? Lawyer Will Rundle gives us a sneak peek behind the scenes.