Climate Movement

A representative climate movement is needed now more than ever; it’s time organisations took action

We are currently facing a moment where the general public has never been more aware of what the climate emergency practically means. The UK saw its first 40 degree day this August, with all the chaos that brings. The current energy crisis, meanwhile, showcases what reliance on oil and gas practically means for households. It is a moment of awakening for a large portion of the general population, where theory has become reality and it is hard to ignore the danger of ignorance.

However, it shouldn't have to take extreme weather events or cataclysmic bills to raise the salience of climate change. On occasion, climate campaigners have found it difficult to connect with the public with existing tactics, not least those that will be most affected by cataclysmic climate change: poorer and marginalised communities.

A part of this is, complexly, due to the fact these communities are currently in survival mode, and therefore will prioritise urgent and day-to-day tasks. Only recently has the climate started to impact the day-to-day in such a way that it has risen in polling of the most important issues facing Britain. Prior to this, and still very much a threat to the movement, ordinary people have found it quite difficult to connect with campaigners. The climate movement has suffered with a reputation as too privileged, white and middle class to be relatable to ordinary and marginalised people.

Whilst the salience of our issue rises, we must not become complacent to the significance of this preconception - and the effects it may have on our ability to reach these communities.

There is significant evidence that shows that a lack of representation leads to disaffection and disengagement. For example, research has found that black and minority ethnicity respondents were over twenty times more likely to say politicians do not represent them than white people, and in turn are less likely to get involved or turn out. Representation matters. It produces more dynamic thinking and gets wider segments of the population engaged.

Right now, the climate movement and wider sector is deeply unrepresentative. In terms of ethnicity, the UK’s environment sector is the second least diverse after farming, with just 3.1% of employees being black and brown people compared to 19% nationally. Employment in turn impacts the image of its leading organisations - the talking heads who represent the sector on TVs, radio and stages - and thus those that choose to get involved either within that talent pipeline or as volunteers. Instead, its figureheads and leaders are white, probably speak with an accent that doesn’t sound like the communities most affected by climate disasters, and come from material and class backgrounds unfathomable to most.

There needs to be a concerted effort to ensure the movement diversifies over the next decade by every measure. As the climate emergency becomes more pressing, the authority the movement creates for itself will be essential. Organisations need to start taking action, and fast, to build both a diverse and working class movement that provides a space for the communities it speaks on behalf of.

What can the sector do next? It starts with a good, long look in the mirror. Measurement of a movement or organisation’s growth, for example, must be more than numbers: it should be about organising in communities that are harder to reach, and who you’re getting on board.

To reach these communities will require a huge strategic push from thought leaders. Mapping these communities, speaking on their level to the issues that matter to them, and building an inclusive talent pipeline. Organisations will need to seek out diverse voices who can provide the greatest insight into what is going wrong, and where - and how to right it.

The climate emergency is too important for those leading the way out of it to not inspire the country in its entirety. The climate emergency affects too many black, brown and poor communities for them to be left behind. It’s time for climate organisations to take this challenge by the horns and drive a step-change in diversity in the sector.

Jade is a public affairs and campaigns specialist with experience from across the third sector, private sector and Westminster, having previously worked for a Shadow Secretary of State and across numerous general and leadership elections. She now uses this expertise to secure success for organisations in influencing the political agenda and national conversation.

Contact jade.azim@purposeunion.com to find out more.