Our leaders are failing us on climate - we (the people) need to act now
On 10th November 2025 the 30th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change will take place in Belém, Brazil. If the previous 29 iterations of this international conference are anything to go by, we wouldn’t get your hopes up.
Each year, the delegations argue over semantics and technicalities like whether to ‘phase out’ or ‘phase down’ fossil fuels whilst nothing of substance is ever achieved.
In 2024, the conference was held in Azerbaijan, a major oil and gas producer. For this year’s conference, a new road was built through a protected area of the Amazon rainforest.
Throughout thirteen years of Tory rule, the UK treated the COP conferences as an irritating distraction. Under the current Labour government we can expect a little more engagement, but no doubt nothing tangible will have been achieved by the time the event ends.
Thankfully, away from the camera crews and podiums, there is a quiet revolution going on, led by ordinary people doing extraordinary things to create a better world and a brighter future.
Let’s take a look…
Local climate leadership
From the emergence of housing co-ops in the 1970s to today’s growing number of community energy co-ops, there are countless examples of the benefits of powerful community action that demonstrates a better way of doing things and has grown from small beginnings to widely accepted solutions.
The Big Lemon Bus Company is an fantastic example of what people can achieve when they act collectively.
In 2006, a group of people got together and decided to set up a Community Interest Company to provide an affordable and environmentally sustainable bus service in Brighton and Hove. Funded by investment from local residents, the company has gone from strength to strength and now operates six solar-powered bus routes in Brighton and Hove, four in Bristol and three in Bath. The initiative is now seen as a prime example of how to run a sustainable community bus company and the Big Lemon has ambitious plans to help other communities around the UK.
Brighton is also home to the ethical and vegan supermarket Kindly, who provide carbon-neutral shopping options that make a real difference for our planet and our community.
Ruby Moon are a sports clothing brand that transform ocean waste into swimwear and activewear clothing whilst donating their profits into micro loans for female entrepreneurs.
If you feel in need of further motivation, watch this inspiring podcast created by Patagonia, the ethical outdoor clothing manufacturers:
Power to the people
One easy way for people to get involved with local climate action is by joining their nearest community energy group.
There are over 500 community energy organisations located throughout the UK who are dedicated to developing community owned, locally based clean energy projects. These can range from insulation schemes and low-carbon heating to solar panels and wind power projects.
Sussex is home to several community energy groups who are known throughout the UK for their pioneering initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and cut energy costs.
In Hastings, Energise Sussex Coast have established a reputation as leaders in the fight against fuel poverty, providing free energy advice and energy saving measures to hundreds of clients across the coastal town.
In Lewes, Ovesco completed one of the first community energy projects ever in the UK at the Harveys Brewery and have since gone on to develop many projects on schools and businesses in the area.
Support the community energy movement in Brighton & Hove
Brighton & Hove is home to two community energy organisations; Brighton Energy Co-op, and BHESCo.
Brighton Energy Co-op have installed rooftop solar power on sites across the city, from Shoreham Port to the Brighton MET College and the Hove Enterprise Centre.
BHESCo have developed over sixty low-carbon energy projects, including a solar power, battery storage, and low-carbon heat project at Fabrica Gallery in central Brighton:
We are currently completing our first residential ‘Solar Powered Communities’ programme, installing solar PV and batteries at no cost for fifteen homes in north Brighton. We will also be installing an ‘in-roof’ solar power system at a golf clubhouse in the South Downs, which will see them enjoy huge savings on energy bills whilst dramatically reducing their environmental impact.
Both of these projects will be financed by a community share offer, paying investors a target annual interest rate of 5%. If you want to support new renewable energy projects in Sussex and make yourself a fair return, head over to our investment page:
If you cannot afford to become and investor in your local community energy group, there are several ways you may want to get involved. Perhaps you have a renewable energy project of your own that you’d like our help or advice on; or you may be looking for simple, cost-effective ways to make your existing home or business more energy efficient?
If you feel frustrated by the lack of Government effort on climate change, and you want to take action but are not too keen on the confrontational tactics of Extinction Rebellion or Just Stop Oil, then you couldn’t do better than by supporting your local community energy group.
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