Anti-racism at Friends of the Earth

People protesting with signs, a megaphone and raised fists

From extreme weather to pollution, the climate and nature crisis affects us all. But marginalised communities, especially people of colour, are hit hardest.

In the UK, people of colour are more likely to live in cold homes, in areas lacking green space and in areas with dangerously high air pollution. Around the world, people of colour and Indigenous communities face deforestation, food and water scarcity, land grabbing and displacement – both from climate impacts and exploitation. 

What’s more, today's environmental injustices are rooted in colonialism and racism. And the countries hit hardest have done the least to cause them.

Fighting injustice is key to solving the climate and nature crisis. Everyone must have a say – particularly those most impacted. So the mainstream environmental movement needs do better at listening to and supporting communities on the front lines of injustice. And we need to stand alongside other movements challenging oppression and exploitation to build a better future together. That’s why Friends of the Earth is an actively anti-racist organisation.

Anti-racism and our work

Friends of the Earth staff and supporters stand outside the Royal Courts of Justice to mark the start of a court case on the government's inadequate climate plan

Demanding fair climate action

We’re calling on the government to produce a Big Climate Plan that puts fairness first. The costs should fall on the wealthiest countries which are most responsible for the climate crisis, not marginalised communities.

A group of activists standing outside a building in London holding placards in English and Indonesian that say: "Jardine Matheson: return communities' stolen land"

Fighting deforestation and exploitation

Alongside global allies and Indigenous communities, we’re demanding a new law to hold UK companies responsible for destroying forests and people’s lives.

A man speaks into a microphone on a stage in front of a crowd. A couple of people are filming on their phones. Behind him there is a large banner that reads "Stand Up to Racism"

Pushing for racial justice

We stood alongside thousands of others at the Stand Up to Racism march to make clear that fighting for our planet also means fighting racism. And we actively opposed the racist, far-right riots that broke out in 2024. 

Cyclist commuter wearing a pollution mask in Central London while cycling alongside several cars

Exposing injustice

Through our research, we’ve exposed how environmental harm hits people of colour hardest. This includes air pollution, flooding, heatwaves, cold homes, bus service cuts and limited access to green space.

Group of people at a demonstration holding a banner that says "Stop arming Israel, in solidarity with Friends of the Earth Palestine"

Standing with Palestine

We’re standing in solidarity with our sister organisation PENGON (Friends of the Earth Palestine), calling for a full arms embargo on Israel and an end to the occupation.

A horse leads a man and boy in a cart during a demonstration in London

Defending rights

We’ve joined Gypsy, Roma and Traveller charities to fight court orders that criminalise nomadic lifestyles and environmental protestors.

A group of people demonstrate in a high street holding banners that say "Refugees welcome here". One person is also speaking into a megaphone.

Celebrating refugees

Our local action groups take part in Refugee Week each year, organising activities like picnics, vigils and stalls to celebrate the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees.

Group of people holding "Free Alaa" signs and a Friends of the Earth banner

Developing our staff

Internally, we’ve delivered anti-racism training for staff and refreshed our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan. We’ve also supported a more diverse range of people to speak on environmental issues.

Your questions answered

Anti-racism and our network

 

A group of people demonstrate in front of a hotel holding placards and banners that say things like "Reject prejudice, foster unity," "Welcome diversity" and "Refugees welcome, stop the far right"

Our local action groups

Our 200+ community groups across England, Wales and Northern Ireland are at the heart of our anti-racism work. Over 100 group members joined our anti-racism training and are now applying it to their campaigns.

For example, Blackwater Valley Friends of the Earth has organised several events in support of asylum seekers, from a family picnic to protests against the far right.
 

Join a group near you
A group of people demonstrate in front of a hotel holding placards and banners that say things like "Reject prejudice, foster unity," "Welcome diversity" and "Refugees welcome, stop the far right"
A group of 18 people are gathered on a green lawn looking serious. They're all holding posters which read "STOP THE SLAPP"

Our international family

We regularly stand in solidarity with the 70+ Friends of the Earth organisations all over the world. When we see our shared values under threat or a way to change our world for the better, we take action. Together, we’ve:

  • Demanded the release of prisoners of conscience in Egypt.
  • Protested lawsuits brought against Indigenous communities protecting their land in Malaysia.
  • Taken our own government to court over UK-funded gas projects trampling human rights in Mozambique.
Learn about our international network
A group of 18 people are gathered on a green lawn looking serious. They're all holding posters which read "STOP THE SLAPP"