How to take action at COP 30

At Friends of the Earth, we want everyone to feel able to exercise their democratic right to protest safely and effectively. This guide will explain how you can take bold action during COP this autumn.

11 Sep 2025

Annual COP marches are a staple of the global environmental movement. They're a moment for climate justice activists from all over the world to come together to make our collective voice heard. COP 30 will be no different. Huge mobilisations will be taking place in major cities across the world on Saturday 15 November. Find out why COP 30 is so important.

Why we march

Marches are powerful because they show decision makers the force of feeling behind a particular issue, and just how many people are willing to give up their time to demand action. They’re also a transformative experience for the people taking part, standing shoulder to shoulder with a diverse cross-section of society who want the same things. They’re moments for forging alliances and making new friends, as well as engaging the media and bringing new people on board. Read on for how you can get involved on the big day.

This year’s climate talks are taking place in the heart of the Amazon. We’ll use the opportunity to urge the UK government to show maximum ambition in ending global deforestation, including deforestation driven by UK companies.

Our key demands

We have 3 key demands. They are:

The world’s precious forests are under threat and vital habitats are being decimated, pushing much-loved wildlife to the brink of extinction. Vast forests like the Amazon serve as the Earth’s lungs and play a crucial role in absorbing carbon globally – fewer trees mean more planet-warming emissions cooking the Earth. These stark impacts are touching lives too, as communities that depend on them are stripped of their rights, traditions and homes.

In 2021, the UK led a key pact to halt and reverse deforestation by 2030. It must honour this by reinvigorating global ambition to save our forests at this year’s talks. The government can set the tone by adopting a new law to end environmental and human rights abuses caused by UK companies globally. It must also champion the role of Indigenous communities as the best protectors of the world’s forests.

The impacts of climate change are not dealt with equally, and those who’ve done least to cause the global crisis are paying the highest price. Rich countries that have driven the crisis - like the UK, one of the world’s biggest historical polluters - have a responsibility to support those on the frontlines.

The UK must contribute its fair share towards international climate finance, which will support the countries least able to pay for climate action and benefit us all in the collective effort to safeguard our future.

For too long, greedy corporations have got rich while fuelling the climate crisis. The world’s biggest polluters, the global oil and gas giants, including Shell and BP in the UK, have locked us into an expensive, dirty energy system that is devastating the planet and sending our bills soaring. Meanwhile the richest 1%, with their high-consumption lifestyles, are responsible for as many greenhouse gas emissions as the poorest two-thirds of people worldwide.

It's no coincidence that hard-working people and the most marginalised communities are being left to deal with the consequences – from sky-high energy bills to dangerous climate impacts. The injustice is glaring, and people are fed up. That’s why ministers must make polluters pay for the damage they cause, and use the funds to deliver a fairer, cleaner future.

Preparing for COP 30 mobilisations

Preparation in the weeks and months before COP 30 can help your group have a bigger impact, and make your members feel more involved and empowered to join a march on the big day. Why not discuss COP 30 in your next group meeting? These prompts can help you think creatively about how you want to prepare for the big event:

Are there any partners you can involve in your plans for COP this year? Eg. local migrant support groups or youth groups?
What creative resources do you need to be seen and heard in your local area? Can you have fun creating these eg. a banner making event or a chant writing workshop?
Find out details of your local COP 30 march and spread the word. The date for most marches is Saturday 15 November, and the locations will be announced on the Climate Justice Coalitions website.
Ensure group members know how to apply to our travel fund if finances are a barrier to them taking part in the march. We can also contribute towards childcare costs and access needs via the same form.

Staying safe on marches

While thousands of people take part in peaceful protest marches across the UK every year without incident, it’s still important to know how to stay safe.

Know your rights. This guide to protest law is a useful starting point for anyone planning to take part in a COP 30 march, big or small.
Follow safeguarding processes. You should also make sure that you’re familiar with the safeguarding guidance for local groups and know how to respond to incidents of violence and abuse.
Follow our protest and non-violence policy. Additionally, all local action group activities should follow Friends of the Earth’s protest and non-violent action policy.

It can be helpful to make a plan for the big day, which may include deciding a meeting point and assigning a buddy system so that your group sticks together in the crowds. Designating a meeting point at the end of the march will also help you to keep each other safe, and notice if anyone is missing. Another reason why a large, eye-catching banner is desirable. Group members may like to take on specific roles for the march such as:

Health and safety. This person can brief everyone on what to expect on the day and point out any risks or hazards. This person may also be first aid trained and carry a first aid kit, though most marches should have their own designated first aiders.
Safeguarding lead. This person is familiar with Friends of the Earth's safeguarding policy and knows what to do in the event of a safeguarding incident or disclosure. They make sure everyone feels safe and comfortable taking part in the march.
Photographer. Good quality photos are crucial for maximising your impact and making a splash on social media and in the local press. Check out our guide to taking good photos and videos.
Be visible. People can carry placards and banners, or to wear eye-catching costumes. Many people will feel more empowered at a march if they have a specific role to fill. Decide in advance who will bring and carry the banner, and order placards and animal masks as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

After the march: how to keep up momentum

It’s really important to keep up momentum after the march. Immediately after the event you should post about your experience on social media, we’ve made some template social media posts [coming soon] as a starting point. It’s also important to make sure everyone gets home safely. You should also report any health and safety or safeguarding incidents to Friends of the Earth staff within 24 hours.

As soon as possible, your group should send a press release to local news outlets. Here’s a template [coming soon] for you to adapt. Assigning someone to do this in advance will make it a smoother process and more likely to be picked up by the local press.

In the days after the march, you could follow-up with your local decision maker by sending them this template letter [coming soon] reminding them of their constituents support for climate and environmental action, and requesting a meeting with them to discuss this further.

Finally, don’t forget to onboard new members after the march. Global climate events like COP are often a catalyst for more people joining the movement, and you may have an influx of new members after the event. Get ahead of the game by having a date agreed for your next meeting and a plan to welcome new faces in a friendly and informal setting. This is how we grow our power and influence over time.

If you have any questions or need additional guidance, get in touch with us at [email protected] or contact your local Regional Community Organiser (RCO).

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