Business and Government cannot tackle climate change alone

On Monday, the Ministerial Miliband brothers announced plans to encourage third sector organisations – charities, voluntary groups and social enterprises – to sign up to a declaration to commit themselves to improve their own energy efficiency and help raise awareness of climate change amongst those they work with.

Environment Secretary 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, Minister for the Third Sector, added: “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.”

The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) has thrown its support behind the declaration.

“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,” said NCVO director Richard Williams.

“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.”

Sam Bond