A new national campaign, led by the charity Carbon Copy, is set to spotlight the powerful role local communities play in combating climate change and restoring nature. In collaboration with WWF-UK, The Carbon Literacy Project, and Climate Emergency UK, the campaign aims to inspire and empower people across the UK to take action at the local level throughout 2025.
The “25 Big Local Actions” initiative encourages people to engage in one of 25 practical actions that can have a significant impact on the environment. The actions are designed to be implemented in communities and workplaces, addressing urgent environmental issues such as climate change, nature depletion, and social justice.
Carbon Copy’s website will feature a growing collection of climate action stories, showcasing over 1,000 examples of successful local projects from across the UK. These stories will serve as inspiration for others to take action and demonstrate the collective power of local initiatives.
Ric Casale, a trustee of Carbon Copy, believes that the campaign will show people that they don’t need to wait for national policies to drive change. “The solutions are already here, and the power to create meaningful change lies within local communities,” Casale said. “By taking these 25 Big Local Actions, we can not only reduce emissions but also foster stronger communities, improve health and wellbeing, and ultimately lead more fulfilling lives.”
The 25 actions are grouped into seven broad themes: Buildings & Places, Circular Economy, Food & Agriculture, Local Powers, Nature, Renewable Energy, and Transport. This diversity in themes ensures that there’s something for everyone, regardless of their interests or expertise. Casale encourages people to choose one action that resonates with them and join forces with others to make a real difference.
Each of the campaign’s partner organisations brings its own expertise to the table. Kathryn Machin from WWF-UK emphasises the importance of local action for mental and community wellbeing. “Time spent in nature, especially when shared with others, can alleviate stress and anxiety, creating a sense of belonging,” she said. “This connection to nature can strengthen communities, making them more resilient in the face of climate challenges.”
The Carbon Literacy Project, through its Sector Development Coordinator Tony Johnson, highlights the role of education in driving climate action. “The Carbon Literacy Project is thrilled to be part of this campaign. We believe that knowledge and collaboration are key to securing a low-carbon future,” Johnson said.
Annie Pickering of Climate Emergency UK adds, “Our work with local councils through the Council Climate Action Scorecards shows the importance of aligning local policy with community-led action. The case studies in this campaign will demonstrate how local governments and communities can work together to create lasting change.”
To further amplify the campaign’s message, Carbon Copy has launched a podcast series, Do Something Bigger, which will delve into the 25 actions in each episode. Featuring experts from various sectors, the podcast aims to inspire and guide listeners as they take steps toward a sustainable future.
For more information and to get involved, visit carboncopy.eco/takeaction.