11 May 2026
The Friends of the Earth policy team have developed a set of priority policy areas to focus on for climate and social justice.
These policy demands can help you push back against far-right narratives and anti-climate backlash by grounding conversations in what people in your community care about.
- there's a list of 10 policy options
- you can pick and mix these options to create your charter of hope
- we recommend going out to speak to people in your community to find out their top priorities if you haven't already done so.
Each policy option comes with:
- clear council levers you can use
- strong local data to back up your argument
- real solutions you can talk about with your community and candidates.
Here are the 10 options for policy demands.
1. Protect our community from extreme weather
Vulnerable people are more exposed to extreme weather. Older people, pregnant women, and babies are at greatest risk from extreme heat, as are people in care homes and hospitals.
Councils can prepare for flooding, heatwaves, droughts and wildfires, using nature-based solutions like tree planting and green space, and to keep cutting emissions so the problem doesn't get worse.
2. Say no to harmful developments
Many local authorities are fuelling the climate crisis by approving high carbon infrastructure projects – such as fossil fuel extraction sites and airport expansion.
Councils can reject climate-damaging developments and instead give the green light to projects that reduce emissions, such as renewable energy projects.
3. Plant more trees and improve green spaces
Green and blue spaces are essential for nature and our health. However, around 10 million people in the UK live in areas without proper green space, with people of colour twice as likely as white people to miss out.
Councils can plant more trees and improve green spaces to cool down towns and cities, boost mental and physical health, and create space for nature.
4. Help people access healthy food and support local farmers
Farming is at the frontline of climate extremes, here and overseas. Droughts, extreme heat and flooding can all damage food production and make it harder for farmers to earn a living. Ideally we’d all be able to access affordable healthy food grown locally — that's going to be harder if farmers are struggling.
Councils can help sustainable farming by buying local produce for use in schools and care homes, creating Local Nature Recovery Strategies, and giving farms permissions for barn conversions, farm shops and renewable energy developments.
For more information about this policy demand, check out our briefing.
5. Welcome refugees and migrants
The UK has a proud tradition of providing a safe welcoming home for people fleeing war, persecution and climate breakdown. But hostile policies and rhetoric have made life much harder for migrants.
Local authorities have a legal duty to look after asylum seekers. Encourage your council to provide a genuinely welcoming home for refugees and migrants, and speak out against hatred and lies.
6. Lower energy bills and warmer homes
Energy costs sky-rocketed after the invasion of Ukraine as the price of gas soared and have increased again as a result of the war on Iran. Bills remain high, especially for almost 10 million low-income households in the UK living in poorly insulated homes.
Councils can help insulate homes, support community-owned renewable energy, help people in financial trouble and approve renewable energy developments. Electricity from renewable energy is cheaper than that produced using gas.
7. Better public transport and healthy air
Air pollution causes around 30,000 early deaths every year. Petrol and diesel cars are a major cause of the problem. A switch to electric vehicles will help, but better bus services and cycling infrastructure are also needed.
Local councils and regional mayors can improve bus services, invest in public electric vehicle charging, create safe walking and cycling routes, and curb traffic around schools to protect children’s health.
8. More local green jobs and training for young people
The net zero economy is already growing much faster than the rest of the economy and creating new jobs. However, workers in polluting industries will need support and training to move to clean jobs.
Councils play an essential role in education. They need to work with Further Education providers to ensure they’re training people with the skills needed for jobs that tackle the climate and nature crises.
9. More resilient communities
Stronger communities are better able to respond to the impacts of climate change – from floods to heatwaves and blackouts. But investment in youth work and community spaces has plummeted through austerity.
Local authorities need to work closely with local charities, churches, social enterprises and volunteer groups to build community cohesion and resilience. And stand up to people who are sowing division and hatred.
10. Local climate solutions funded by wealthy polluters
More money is needed to invest in cutting carbon emissions and protecting people from flooding and extreme heat. Fossil fuel giants have made billions in profits from their climate destruction. It’s time to make wealthy polluters pay for the damage they’ve caused.
Councils have limited power to tax big polluters but they can charge giant SUVs more for residential parking and they can push the national government to do more.
