Climate change

Climate change is not just an environmental issue: it affects all of us. Voluntary and community organisations (VCOs) need to understand how our actions impact on the environment – and how a changing climate will impact on those we support, and on the work that we do.

Your role

VCOs have a crucial role to play in tackling the challenge of climate change. For example you can:

• Prepare for the changing weather patterns we are starting to experience
• Protect or support your beneficiaries to cope with these changes
• Reduce your organisation's carbon footprint
• Campaign for a more sustainable future.

Learn more

Take a look at our online guide to climate change to help you decide how your own organisation can respond. Or watch this film about the ways one organisation, Equinox (an alcohol, drug and mental health charity) is already preparing for the changes to our climate.

What NCVO is doing

NCVO is working for change:

Civil Society Framework

NCVO has developed a programme of work focusing on the key challenges facing our society, including climate change. The NCVO Civil Society Framework (PDF 240KB) sets out our vision.

Vulnerable people and climate change project

We are helping VCOs supporting vulnerable people in England to understand and respond to the particular risks their beneficiaries may face from climate change. Find out more about the vulnerable people and climate change project.

Guidance

In 2009 we ran The Big Response project, helping four non-environmental charities to identify how climate change could affect their beneficiaries and work. From the project, we have developed an online guide to help you explore what climate change could mean for your organisation.

We are also exploring more broadly what sustainable development means for the voluntary sector. The findings from our exploratory project in early 2011 suggest that the core work of non-environmental VCOs can make a major contribution to creating a sustainable future.

The NCVO Third Sector Foresight website also considers the implications of climate-related trends for our sector.

Discounted services to help you reduce your environmental impact

Save money, increase efficiency and be greener in your printing. Danwood is offering exceptional pricing to all NCVO member organisations on the purchase or lease of photocopiers and multi-function print devices which can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your organisation's print materials.

Find out more about our green printing offer or for specific quotes, contact Becky Stocks at Danwood: 01522 834 470, or email Becky.Stocks@danwood.co.uk

Task Force

NCVO has provided secretariat support for the Government sponsored Third Sector Task Force on Climate Change, the Environment and Sustainable Development.

Climate Week

We take part in Climate Week, a national cross-sectoral annual initiative to promote ways of tackling climate change. We encourage other VCOs to get involved and arrange activities here at NCVO. Read the climate change blog to find out what we're doing this year.

Third Sector Declaration on Climate Change

NCVO is a signatory of the Third Sector Declaration on Climate Change. It is a statement of intent from third sector organisations to take action.

Robin Hood Tax Campaign

NCVO is a founding member of the Robin Hood Tax Campaign, which is calling for new financial sector taxes to help tackle poverty and climate change, at home and abroad.

Origins of Waste Watch

In 1987 NCVO set up a project called Waste Watch to promote and support waste reduction, reuse and recycling. Over 20 years later, Waste Watch is an independent national charity working alongside local authorities, community and voluntary groups, businesses, industry and government, providing advice, training and information from the Wasteline, as well as practical support for action: www.wastewatch.org.uk

NCVO's carbon footprint

NCVO is committed to sustainable development and reducing its own carbon footprint. Read more about NCVO's environmental performance.

Blogs of interest