Friends of the Earth Charitable Trust

Later this year, global leaders will meet in Brazil for COP30, the annual climate summit where countries review progress on tackling the climate crisis. It is an important moment. Communities everywhere are already experiencing the effects of a warming world, from extreme heat to rising food costs, and the need for fair, practical climate action has never been clearer.

Friends of the Earth will be watching COP30 closely. Our work throughout the year helps to make sure the UK plays its part in cutting emissions, supporting communities on the frontline of climate impacts, and pushing for solutions that improve everyday lives. This includes work on warm homes, clean air, safe streets, nature recovery, and support for communities most affected by pollution and inequality.

Why COP30 matters

Although COP events can feel distant, the outcomes shape real decisions that affect homes, workplaces, high streets, and neighbourhoods across the UK. This year, the world must agree on plans that protect people from climate harm, boost clean energy, and ensure that countries that have contributed the most to the crisis help fund solutions for those most affected.

It is also an important moment to show that climate action is not only urgent but full of opportunity. Better public transport, warmer homes, thriving green industries, and restored nature all help build stronger and healthier communities.

How your business supporters help

Businesses that fundraise through Work for Good play a vital role in making this work possible. Every product donation or sales campaign helps Friends of the Earth to:

• Support communities calling for warm and affordable homes.

• Campaign for clean air and safer streets for children.

• Protect nature in towns, cities, and the countryside.

• Hold the government to account on the climate promises it makes on the world stage.

• Provide tools, data, and training that help people take local action.

This support ensures that when COP30 begins, Friends of the Earth is in the strongest possible position to champion action that is fair, science-based, and focused on improving daily life.

Looking ahead

COP30 will be a defining moment in the global response to the climate crisis. With your help, Friends of the Earth will continue pushing for solutions that protect people and the planet. From local communities to international summits, positive change is possible when we work together.

If you would like to launch a Work for Good campaign for Friends of the Earth, you can get started today. Your business can make a real difference.

This year, thanks to the support of Work for Good businesses and hundreds of thousands of committed supporters around the UK, Friends of the Earth has successfully blocked 5 new fossil fuel developments in the UK.

The first case came in June, when the Supreme Court upheld Sarah Finch's climate change legal challenge against new oil production at Horse Hill in Surrey. It ruled that the local council acted unlawfully by granting planning permission because it didn’t consider the climate impact when the oil is inevitably burned.

The case set a legal precedent that be used in other court challenges against new UK fossil fuel developments. And that’s exactly what happened. In September, the High Court quashed planning permission for the proposed Whitehaven coal mine in Cumbria.

Alongside this, our team in Northern Ireland successfully intervened in 3 cases, blocking significant gas and oil developments.

These wins are incredible.

They reflect years of work from committed grassroots campaigners and volunteers who give so much of their time and energy to these cases. Friends of the Earth is proud to support these local groups with our legal expertise, media support, and campaigning tools and tactics – they all help to secure these wins.

We’re ready for more battles ahead. But for now, these stories demonstrate the power of community action and bring hope to many that we can pave the way for a fossil free future.

Our latest research shows a shocking 1 in 4 neighbourhoods classify as nature pollution hotspots.

These “hotspots” are areas where air, water, noise and light pollution are at levels that are threatening the future survival of a host of iconic British species, including pollinating bees and native bats.

We're calling for the right to a healthy environment to be enshrined in a new Environmental Rights Act. The law would empower communities to hold regulators and public bodies to account to reduce the multiple layers of pollution affecting their areas to better protect wildlife and people.

• Take a look at your area using the interactive map

• Add your name to support our call for an Environmental Rights Act