Why ‘community action’?
The climate action we take as individuals and households is critically important.
And the actions of businesses and organisations too. But we can’t solve the climate crisis without community.
In Bristol, community has been key to so much the city has achieved.
It’s people working together that makes real change happen. With community we can achieve great things.
If you want to see the power of communities in action, recall what happened at the peak of the COVID-19 crisis. From street WhatsApp groups , checking for elderly or vulnerable neighbours, to making sure no one went hungry because of poverty caused by the pandemic. Communities in Bristol came together to make a real difference and help local people.
And by communities we mean all types of community.
Find out what action Bristol City Council is taking in response to climate change.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
Margaret Mead, Anthropologist, 1901-1978
The Bristol Community Climate Action project
The Community Climate Action Project puts communities at the heart of fast and fair climate action in Bristol.
The project is co-ordinated by Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership and supported by the national lottery’s Climate Action Fund. It sees 18 Bristol community organisations play a leading role in shaping Bristol’s transition to a low carbon and climate resilient city:
Phase 1:
Ambition Lawrence Weston, Heart of BS13, Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust, Eastside Community Trust, ACH, and Bristol Disability Equality Forum
Phase 2:
Bricks Bristol, Hillfields Community Garden, Knowle West Media Centre, Southmead Development Trust, The Vassall Centre and Windmill Hill City Farm
Phase 3:
Coming soon!
The groups are supported by Bristol City Council and the Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE). Together these community organisations are broadly representative of the diversity of Bristol, making sure everyone’s voice is heard in the climate change debate.
During 2021, the six community partners talked to their communities to identify their climate priorities and coproduce Community Climate Action Plans.
These plans will help Bristol to become carbon neutral by 2030, whilst also improving the quality life for local people in a range of ways, including; warmer homes, less congestion, more active lifestyles, skills and training and better wellbeing.
The first six Community Climate Action plans were launched in early 2022 and since then the six community partner organisations have been working with decision-makers, climate experts, businesses and funders to carry out the actions.
The next six plans were launched on 25th April 2024.
Find out more: Community Climate Action at Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership