A year of showing up for climate and nature

Posted by Helen Meech on December 23, 2025

Helen Meech, Executive Director of The Climate Coalition, looks back on the past year and how people and communities led the way towards a greener, safer future.

The People’s Picture projected onto the White Cliffs of Dover: a powerful public artwork made from thousands of images submitted by people across the UK. Credit: The People's Picture 2025

As we come to the end of the year, I want to say a sincere thank you.

Across the UK, millions of people have found ways - big and small - to take action for climate and nature. In towns, cities and rural communities, people have shown up for the people and places they care about.

Communities leading the way

During Great Big Green Week, people came together for good in every part of the UK. 1.2 million people took part through local events, activities and conversations - making it our biggest, greenest week yet.

Schools, businesses, community groups and local nature organisations worked alongside one another, hosting events shaped by local priorities. From neighbourhood gatherings to school events and nature walks, Great Big Green Week showed that action for climate and nature can start anywhere - and that it belongs to everyone.

A Great Big Green Week group bike ride exploring traffic-free Stratford for all ages and abilities; Image credit: Credit: @netzerostratford @SAUClimate @stratfordclimateaction

Conversations that matter

Campaigners from across the country gather in Westminster as part of the Act Now Change Forever Mass Lobby this year; Photo credit: Richard Dawson/PA

This year, people across the UK spoke up for people, climate and nature through our Act Now, Change Forever mass lobby. People from 91% of UK constituencies took part in conversations with their MPs - in Westminster, in community spaces and in everyday settings.

Around 3,000 conversations made one thing clear: people across the UK care deeply about action on climate and nature - and they expect leadership in return. These conversations were grounded in lived experience and local concerns, and they reflected a shared hope for a healthier, fairer, safer future.

Campaigners meet their MP at the Act Now Change Forever Mass Lobby; Photo credit: Vicki Couchman

An important year ahead

The year ahead will be an important one. With elections taking place across England, Scotland and Wales, there will be renewed focus on the decisions that shape daily life - from the air we breathe to our homes, communities and local nature.

Change rarely comes from a single moment. It comes from people continuing to show up - in their communities, in conversations, and in the choices they make about what matters to them. When people act together over time, it builds the kind of public support that those in power cannot ignore.

Thank you

Thank you for being part of this work - whether you joined an event, took part in a conversation, shared a message, or stayed engaged in quieter ways. Every action plays a part in building a healthier, fairer, safer future for everyone.

This year has been a powerful reminder that collective action matters - and that when people come together for good, change is not only possible, it is already happening.

Stay connected

As we look ahead to the year to come, we’d love you to stay connected to hear about what’s happening in communities across the UK, and how people are continuing to take action for climate and nature.