Despite what’s often portrayed, in terms of climate change, individual lifestyle changes can only do so much. Major corporations are succeeding in shifting the blame onto consumers and deflecting the damage they’re undeniably causing. They want everyday human beings, like you and I, to feel like this is mess is all our fault…

Don’t get me wrong, individual actions are so important, but if we want to turn this ecological crisis around, we need to be intersectional in our environmental activism, and governments and people with power to make some really drastic changes.

SO, what can YOU do to encourage climate action? Today I’m here with 4 easy, effective and powerful places to start:

JOIN A GROUP

Power to the people!

If you disagree with the actions of your government leaders, one of the most impactful things you can do is to join a group that actively expresses its opposition. Whether it’s local, or something on a larger international scale, don’t ever forget about the impact of collective power.

Here are some of my favourite groups that you can join no matter where you are in the world:

– Earth Protectors

Earth Protectors is a group founded by British lawyer, Polly Higgins, whose team is attempting to bring the law of Ecocide back into the criminal court. This will make any actions which cause extreme damage or destruction to ecosystems, climate and culture, a criminal offence.

Large-scale destruction only continues because it is currently permitted by the law… But you can help change that!

Small island nations at the frontline of climate change already have the power to propose this amendment, all that is needed is expert legal advice which can be provided by the team at Ecological Defence Integrity, and the safety of public support and visibility which is where we come into play!

By joining the movement, you can help fund the legal support required to bring this amendment to international law. All it takes is a minimum 5€ donation, and your name will be listed as a backer.

There are currently more than 8600 declared Earth Protectors from all across the globe, and I’d love to see your name on the list too!

Click here to declare yourself an Earth Protector

– Extinction Rebellion

“Extinction Rebellion is an international movement that uses non-violent civil disobedience to achieve radical change in order to minimise the risk of human extinction and ecological collapse.”

Instead of blaming and shaming or belittling individuals for their actions, Extinction Rebellion is instead striving to use collective power to demand climate action from major political leaders. They want governments to tell the truth, act now to stop the emergency we currently face, and reduce biodiversity loss and greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2020.

Joining Extinction Rebellion will not only give you access to local groups and events, but it will also give you access to the resources needed to make a movement like this successful.

It doesn’t matter how big of a rebel you choose to be, all that is needed is your support and participation – “together we are unstoppable”.

Click here to join Extinction Rebellion

– 350

350 is an international movement built by ordinary people working to end fossil fuels and solve the climate crisis. This non-profit organisation doesn’t belive that climate change is just an environmental issue, they believe that it’s a social justice, economic and environmental issue all at once… Hence why it needs to be tackled as such!

This community-led group aims to accelerate the transition to 100% renewable energy for all, to stop and ban all oil, coal and gas projects and cut off the social license and financing of fossil fuel companies.

Their online campaigns, grassroots organizing, and mass public actions are led from the bottom up by thousands of volunteer organizers in over 188 countries. By signing up, you’ll be on the list to receive important movement updates and information straight to your inbox!

Click here to join 350

DONATE

As I’ve mentioned many times before, donating is extremely effective… Even more effective than focusing on individual lifestyle changes.

Giving a donation to the cause gives these movements an added boost and helps to fund their endeavours. One time donations are incredibly helpful, yes, but a recurring donation allows the organizations to plan ahead and gives them the constant support that’s required to keep their organization running.

If you can sacrifice anything as little as your $5 coffee once a month, know that you’ll be helping those who have the power to make change, really bring their demands to life.

You could donate to any of the nonprofits mentioned above, but I also recommend that you do your own research and find one that resonates the most with you. There are an abundance of incredible organisations that are fighting for climate justice each and every day.

No matter how big or small, know that your contribution is always deepy appreciated!

CONTACT REPRESENTATIVES

If you have something that you want your government representatives to address, there’s no better way to demand that than to contact them directly.

Find the contact details of your prime minister, president, senators, electorate office, local members, other government leaders etc and give them your opinion… Their contact details are there for you to raise your concern, so please don’t take that for granted. All emails are carefully read and considered, but the more that people reach out, the more likely they are to be truly taken on board.

Governments will ultimately listen to the people (well, that’s what we’re demanding anyway), so it’s time for the people to speak up and call for climate action!