Wales: Leap into climate action!

You’ve probably noticed the weather has been getting more extreme here in Wales. From bigger winter storms, leading to more destructive floods; to unprecedented hot and dry summers; there is no denying the climate is changing, right where we live.

It’s clear that something needs to be done, but with over half of Welsh people feeling worried about the climate,* sometimes knowing where to start can feel overwhelming.

UK climate charity Carbon Copy’s collection of a thousand stories, from community groups, public sector organisations, businesses and councils around the country, covers projects in all regions of Wales. In the run up to February 29, or leap day, the charity is urging more people to “leap into climate action” and work with others where they live.

Chief Storyteller Isabelle Sparrow explains:

“We come across a lot of people who know they want to do something, but are struggling to know where to start. On Carbon Copy’s website, you can choose an action area you care about – say, Nature or Renewable Energy – and search through hundreds of inspiring initiatives that people have shared with us.

“Tackling climate breakdown doesn’t mean reinventing the wheel – the solutions are already out there – we just need more people, in more places, to get together and copy what’s working to make change happen.”

For example:

In South Wales, the Valleys Regional Park Guardians are working with diverse groups of local people, using practical conservation activities to help connect participants with the natural landscape. The initiative has positive outcomes for wildlife and the environment; as well as enormous health, wellbeing and social benefits for those involved.

In Ceredigion, unique “Climate Shops” in Aberystwyth and Lampeter allow people to buy preloved or repurposed items, with the pricing based around the number of trees planted the item will fund. This initiative, run by established non-profit company Climate Link, has so far led to the planting of over half a million trees in their community forestry project in Kenya.

In Conwy, reuse charity Crest is helping disadvantaged people in the community and reducing waste by collecting, repairing and reselling a range of items from furniture and electricals to toys and bric-a-brac; and in Flintshire and Wrexham The Bike Upcycling Project is helping more people switch four wheels for two, by training them in fixing and maintenance skills and rescuing broken bikes from landfill.

Isabelle continues:

“Often taking part in a project that has a positive impact on the climate will have lots of benefits for you personally too: helping you to meet new people, saving you money and bringing you joy! There are so many reasons to get involved locally.”

Find inspiration to leap into climate action on Carbon Copy now.