The environmental charity sector in the UK is diverse, encompassing a range of organisations that focus on different aspects of environmental protection, sustainability, and climate action.
Environmental Charity
Introducing the charity sector
Charities work through research, advocacy, education, policy influence, conservation projects, legal action, and grassroots activism. Although they vary in size, scope, and approach, environmental charities generally fall into these broad category areas. Many collaborate with businesses, government bodies, and local communities to drive change.
The importance of going green in the charity sector
The environmental charity sector is crucial to advancing the green agenda because it drives action on climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and sustainability. The sector plays a vital role in bridging the gap between policy, action, and public engagement, making sure that sustainability and climate justice remain at the heart of the UK’s green agenda.
Environmental charities work across the following areas:
Conservation and biodiversity
- Organisations like the RSPB, The Wildlife Trusts, and Woodland Trust focus on protecting and restoring natural habitats, conserving species, and promoting biodiversity. Habitat loss and species decline are accelerating; charities like these restore ecosystems, ensuring a thriving natural environment.
Climate action and sustainability
- Groups such as Friends of the Earth, Green Alliance, and Ashden campaign for climate policies, support community-led sustainability initiatives, and promote low-carbon solutions.
Pollution and waste reduction
- Charities like Surfers Against Sewage, Keep Britain Tidy, and The Ellen MacArthur Foundation work on issues such as plastic pollution, circular economy models, and waste reduction.
Water and marine conservation
- Organisations such as the Marine Conservation Society and Thames21 protect marine ecosystems, improve water quality, and advocate for sustainable fisheries.
Energy and just transition
- Environmental issues disproportionately impact disadvantaged communities. Organisations like the Centre for Sustainable Energy and Sustainability First focus on clean energy, energy efficiency, and ensuring a fair transition to a low-carbon economy.
Innovation and solutions
- Charities like Sustainability First and Ashden support low-carbon technologies, community energy projects, and circular economy models that are essential for a green transition.
Environmental education, public engagement, and behaviour change
- Groups like Global Action Plan and Eco-Schools engage with schools, businesses, and communities to encourage sustainable living and environmental awareness. Organisations such as Surfers Against Sewage and Global Action Plan empower individuals to adopt more sustainable lifestyles.
Legal and policy advocacy
- Many charities campaign for stronger environmental policies, holding governments and businesses accountable. They use legal action and policy influence to hold organisations accountable for environmental harm. Groups like Friends of the Earth and ClientEarth push for ambitious climate laws, nature protection, and sustainable economic policies.
The demand for green skills has led to a 9.2% increase in green job adverts nationwide
Almost nine in ten charities say they are concerned about the impacts of climate change
Information kindly supplied by:
Sustainability First
Sustainability First promotes change in the water and energy sectors for a fairer, more sustainable future.
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IEMA is the membership body for environment and sustainability professionals