In light of recent news concerning the UK’s climate-related government policy, it is fitting to draw attention to the third sector’s climate impact. This blog will also explore the ways that your organisation can reduce their climate impact and the climate benefits of volunteering. Armed with this knowledge, the third sector can push for more sustainable volunteer practices and progress towards Net Zero. 

The Third Sector / Climate Connection

The climate crisis is an all-encompassing issue. The climate situation’s impact on global factors including health and inequality means that the climate crisis is extremely relevant to the third sector. Irrespective of governmental decision-making, the third sector can make systemic changes that will impact a number of climate-related issues.

There have been several reports by influential sector voices including Charity Digital. Similarly, Reach Volunteering has taken responsibility for raising awareness of the connection between climate impact and volunteering. Reach Volunteering’s #VolunteerForClimate campaign works to spotlight many environmental and climate organisations that are facilitating volunteering opportunities. 

Your Impact Potential

Besides educating yourself and your organisation on the findings of industry and climate reports, or getting involved in third-party initiatives, you are probably wondering what climate-related measures can be directly implemented in your organisation. Charity Digital’s research found that 88% of charities are concerned about climate change, but 52% are unaware of the actions that other organisations are undertaking. Ways to limit your organisation’s climate impact include:

Divesting from Fossil Fuels

Making a commitment that your organisation will not make new investments in fossil fuels in the next 3 to 5 years is powerful. NCVO’s ‘Fuelling Positive Change’ campaign supports education and implementation of fossil fuel divestment. Since 2012, almost 1600 organisations from all sectors have committed to divesting from fossil fuels. Even Amnesty International have pleaded their support to the ‘Fuelling Positive Change’ campaign. Krystal is an example of a tool that helps your organisation to divest entirely from fossil fuels. With Krystal, 100% of your organisation’s web hosting can be powered by renewable energy.

Social Investments

As a volunteer-involved organisation, you are likely already investing in charitable purposes. Consider causes that can positively impact the climate. Community infrastructure that pushes for renewable energy, for example, can help achieve climate goals. 

Working Together!

Become a part of the third sector’s collective climate initiatives. For example, ACEVO has a climate crisis working group and NPC has the Everyone’s Environment programme. If a member of your organisation were to get involved, climate-related sector information can be passed on and utilised. Speaking out on your organisation’s platforms under Reach Volunteering’s hashtag #ChangeTheStory, for example, brings awareness to the climate crisis amongst fellow volunteer-involved organisations.

Climate Impact from the Volunteer’s Perspective

Running your own climate-related volunteering opportunities is beneficial for both the environment and your volunteers. Increasingly, people are reporting that they feel ‘climate anxiety’. This anxiety is often due to an awareness of the climate crisis yet feeling powerless to make a substantial difference. Rosemary from Bradford has experience of working within sustainability and chose to volunteer to share her skills and feel connected to her community. Rosemary feels that volunteering has helped to keep her climate anxiety at bay.

There are so many challenges, perspectives and types of action related to climate. If you’re thinking about volunteering, there will definitely be an organisation which will be the right fit for you.

Rosemary

Take Action Now

Foundational to the third sector’s climate impact is sharing information and resources. Join forces with other organisations either as an educational or practical way to positively impact the climate. Involve volunteers where possible; this will boost your climate impact and community well-being. As articulated by NCVO’s Alex Farrow when speaking on the ‘Fuelling Positive Change’ campaign:

“The impacts of climate change will make everything our sector does harder. Our campaign is a rallying cry to take collective action on one of the biggest challenges we face.”

Alex Farrow,  NCVO

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