Climate conversations that build community power
This report shares our collective learning about how to have conversations with communities about the climate crisis, from the Just Food and Climate Transition Programme (Just FACT) programme. We hope it can be a useful resource for those interested in creating conversations where marginalised communities can share their experiences, influence change and take action together.
In this report we explore why local climate initiatives should focus on systems change and collective empowerment, as opposed to individual behaviour change . We share examples of how learning exchange between communities and specialists can tackle climate issues. We make the case for the importance of community research in finding the answers to our climate problems, and how community knowledge can drive local and systemic change. We also share learning on how climate change can be made meaningful to people’s lives, through centring culture, art, storytelling and faith, and breaking bread together.
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Summary of key findings
- There needs to be a focus on systems change, not individual behaviour change, and recognition that many minoritised communities already practice low impact behaviours
- Climate action becomes easier when it meets other needs like socialising or getting work experience
- Diaspora communities are already motivated by global climate struggles
- Faith can inspire climate action
- Marginalised communities need separate spaces where they can explore climate issues together
- Storytelling, art and creativity is important in making sense of the climate crisis and people’s role in it
- Respect for different cultures and a commitment to tackle prejudice is the backbone for involving communities
- Community hubs create collective habits amongst neighbours, offer communal resources that reduce energy and waste, and make climate action part of everyday life.
Contents
- Introduction
- Summary
- Context
- What we have learned
- How community hubs support action on climate change
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