The climate emergency just got personal. But the solutions are on our doorstep too.

Blog

27 Oct 2026

The impact of the global climate crisis has got closer to home. But it’s also in our local neighbourhoods that some of the most effective solutions are taking shape.

Article written by anna.cooper

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New data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that 85% of UK adults said they had been impacted by climate change over the past 12 months – a huge increase from 66% just two years ago. We’re no longer talking about climate change as a problem to solve just for future generations. The climate crisis is a global issue with local impact, hitting home in every postcode of the UK today. However, across these local communities we’re also seeing some of the most effective solutions to tackling climate change taking shape through the power of collective action.

Tell us how you want climate action to look in your area

Across the UK, there are some incredible local climate initiatives taking shape – community gardens, repair cafes, energy efficiency schemes and so much more. This year Thrive is widening the scope of our Community Benefit Programme to support a broader range of initiatives that communities feel are most needed to support climate action in their local neighbourhood. Applications are open now, inviting communities near our clean energy projects to apply for grants that support initiatives which:

Empower people to take action to address the climate emergency

Reduce carbon emissions or save energy

Improve access to green spaces or help people connect with nature

 Full details on eligibility and how to apply can be found on CSE’s website here. Applications close on 26th November.

All our actions count (more than you think)

What’s really positive to see from the ONS figures is that 77% of people said they have made changes to their lifestyle in order to help tackle environmental issues. This includes changes to shopping habits, diet and travel. 80% also reported taking action to reduce waste.

Despite so many of us wanting more action on climate (over 80% in fact), we often underestimate the support of others and so sharing solutions and connecting with others is really important to feel supported and increase collective action. Reaching out to organisations like Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace is a good way to find local climate action groups near you.

Community energy - power by the people for the people

Reducing emissions isn’t just about building big wind farms. In neighbourhoods across the UK, communities are developing smaller, local clean energy projects that provide cleaner, cheaper power whilst boosting revenue and jobs in the local area. The Ambition Community Energy wind turbine in Bristol which Thrive funded the construction of is a great example of a local community coming together to take climate action into their own hands. As well as providing a new revenue stream to drive regeneration in the area, plans for an Energy Learning Zone will inspire young people and upskill residents to pursue green careers.

“Now many more communities can benefit just like we have, by owning our own energy producing asset. But this is more than just providing us with our own sustainable income, it also gives us a stake in the energy market instead of being passive consumers. It gives us pride of our place and helps us to do our bit to improve the climate. It’s a win, win. If we can do it, so can other communities.”

Mark Pepper, Development Manager, Ambition Lawrence Weston

So far Thrive has invested over £21 million into community energy projects as part of our mission to ensure everyone benefits from the clean energy transition. With the government pledging to support 1,000 community energy projects by 2030 and invest £1 billion in the sector as part the Local Power Plan, we hope to see community energy getting a big boost over the next few years.