Change is possible

It can sometimes feel like the systems we live under are too big or too powerful to change.

But history shows us that change, even on a large scale, is possible. Big social movements, powered by people working together, have reshaped societies and tackled injustice many times in recent history.

Let’s look at a few examples that show how collective action can create massive change. 

Civil rights movement

One of the most well-known examples of successful social change is the civil rights movement in the United States during the 1950s and 60s. This movement was driven by the tireless efforts of millions of African Americans, activists and allies who sought to end racial segregation and discrimination in the United States. Through boycotts, marches, civil disobedience and legal challenges, the movement succeeded in overturning unjust laws. 

Key victory

The Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed discrimination based on race, colour, religion, sex or national origin.

Lesson

Sustained collective action can dismantle even the most deeply rooted societal norms.

The Landless Workers’ Movement in Brazil

Agência Brasil, CC BY 3.0 BR.

In Brazil, the Landless Workers’ Movement (MST) has been fighting for land reform for decades. This movement advocates for rural land redistribution to poor, landless farmers in a country where land ownership has historically been concentrated among a small elite of individuals and mega corporations.  

Key victory

By 2016, the MST had helped settle almost 370,000 families on 7.5 million hectares of land through land occupations and negotiations with the government.

Lesson

Grassroots movements can achieve significant redistribution of resources through persistent, organised efforts. 

Stop Rosebank Campaign (UK)

Alisdare Hickson, CC BY-SA 2.0.

A more recent example of social movements enacting change comes from the Stop Rosebank campaign in the UK. In 2023, environmental groups challenged the government’s approval of the Rosebank oil field, one of the largest undeveloped oil fields in the North Sea. Activists from Greenpeace and Uplift also took legal action, arguing that approving new oil fields went against the UK’s climate commitments.  

Key victory

In August 2024, the UK government announced it would no longer defend the approval in court, marking a major win for climate activists.

Lesson

Focused campaigns can successfully challenge government decisions and corporate interests, even on major energy projects. 

What do these examples tell us?

• Systems can change: Our social, economic, and political systems are human-made. That means humans can change them too.
• Collective action works: While individual actions matter, it’s when people come together that they create the most significant changes.
• Persistence pays off: Many of these changes took years, even decades. Change often doesn’t happen overnight, but persistent effort can lead to victory.
• Everyone has a role: These movements involved people from all walks of life. You don’t need to be a leader or an expert to contribute to change. 

As Nelson Mandela said:

“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

Have your say

Now, reflect on these examples and think about how they inspire you to engage with the climate movement. What role can you play in creating change? Let us know in the Comments section and discuss with other learners.