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Print articleWarning that the effects of climate change constitute one of the greatest social, environmental and economic threats to society, Environment Secretary David Miliband and Minister for the Third Sector Ed Miliband argued that third sector organisations are well placed to lead the way in creating sustainable communities as they launched a declaration on climate change for third sector organisations.
Thousands of voluntary organisations are expected to sign up to the public commitment to a sustained, comprehensive response to the challenge of climate chance.
By signing the declaration, voluntary organisations, charities, and social enterprises across England will affirm their intention to improve energy efficiency in their own operations and to raise awareness and action on climate change among the people and groups they work with.
David Miliband said:
?When we act together, the scale of our achievements far outstrips what any of us could achieve alone. The thousands of organisations that make up the third sector are powerful forces for change in our society - and it's a force we need on our side in the fight against climate change.
?We know that climate change will hit the world's poorest and most vulnerable people first, both here and abroad. I believe this declaration will empower every voluntary organisation in the country, regardless of its size or location, to be part of the broader movement to tackle climate change with urgency and determination.?
Ed Miliband said:
?The third sector has shown time and again its ability to reach out to all sorts of people and inspire them to take steps to change their lives and their communities. Today's declaration is an opportunity for the sector to make its voice heard and make a public commitment to use its talents to help to tackle climate change. I hope this declaration will be a catalyst for action - and add to the growing momentum behind our national response to this crucial challenge.?
Mark Walton, Head of Every Action Counts, said:
?This declaration is about encouraging all types of community and voluntary sector groups, no matter what their size, to start making environmentally friendly choices that will help reduce our carbon footprint. Whether they introduce recycling schemes in their organisation, encourage volunteers to cycle to activities, or create 'green' events for service users, everybody in some way can facilitate social and environmental justice.
?Working together we are part of a wider movement that can make a real difference to the negative impacts of climate change currently facing our generation. Community groups, clubs and societies can help by developing local solutions to global problems thus ensuring every action really does count.?
Richard Williams, Director of Enterprise at NCVO (The National Council for Voluntary Organisations) said:
?NCVO is delighted to support the declaration on climate change. With climate change being potentially the greatest problem facing the world today, it is vital that the Third Sector plays an important part in helping the hundreds of thousands of staff and volunteers to take action to reduce their impact.
?We, as an organisation, are proud to be reducing our impact on the environment and are actively encouraging trustees, directors, staff and members to take steps to reduce environmental damage and to influence the millions of people they work with to take small steps together in tackling climate change.?
The declaration has been spearheaded by a group of voluntary organisations already taking part in the Defra-funded initiative Every Action Counts, which enables community groups to make the world greener, cleaner, fairer and safer than it is today. It its first year, Every Action Counts has reached more than 500 groups and resulted in a range of achievements, including recruiting and training 400 volunteer community champions to inspire action in local communities and training community workers in environmental issues.
