Contributing to wide-ranging policy changes

We’ve learned that tackling climate change requires bold policy changes, transforming our approaches to economic growth, finance, technology, jobs and more. 

But how can we push for these changes when we’ve seen limited action over the past three decades? 

In this step, you’ll explore different types of actions and campaigns that can drive large-scale policy changes. These examples highlight collective actions that have mobilised communities, influenced policymakers and challenged unsustainable systems through bold, persistent efforts. 

Urgenda Climate Lawsuit 

The Urgenda Climate Lawsuit set a global precedent as the first successful climate case brought against a government. In 2015, the Dutch non-profit organisation Urgenda and a group of citizens sued the Dutch government. They argued that its insufficient climate policies violated human rights by failing to protect citizens from the dangers of climate change. The Dutch Supreme Court ultimately ruled in favour of Urgenda, compelling the government to commit to stronger emissions reductions. This landmark case has since inspired similar lawsuits worldwide, reinforcing that governments have a legal responsibility to protect their citizens from the impacts of climate change. 

Kenya’s Green Belt Movement 

Founded by Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai, the Green Belt Movement in Kenya empowers communities, particularly women, to plant trees, restore ecosystems and advocate for sustainable development policies. Through grassroots action, the movement has helped shape national conversations around reforestation, water conservation and women’s rights, demonstrating the power of local communities in environmental policy advocacy. 

Greenpeace’s corporate accountability campaigns 

Greenpeace is known globally for its bold campaigns that hold corporations accountable for their environmental impact and influence on policy. By exposing the practices of major polluters, Greenpeace seeks to limit corporate power over environmental policy, emphasising transparency and public pressure. Their campaigns often target sectors like fossil fuels, plastics, industrial agriculture and mining, encouraging companies to reduce emissions, end deforestation and shift toward more sustainable and just practices. These efforts have led to significant commitments from corporations and increased awareness of the need for stronger regulations on polluting industries. 

Anti-coal protests in the Philippines 

In the Philippines, grassroots movements like the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ) campaign against new coal plants and lobby for the transition to renewable energy. Coal pollution has severe health and environmental impacts, particularly in low-income areas. Local activists therefore organise protests, community meetings and petitions to challenge fossil fuel expansion and advocate for energy democracy and green jobs. From 2015 to 2017, the coalition successfully stopped or prevented 16,515 megawatts of coal energy production, the equivalent of 11 coal-fired power plants.

Reclaim Finance 

Reclaim Finance works to challenge the financial sector’s role in funding fossil fuels by pressuring banks, insurance companies and investors to stop financing coal, oil and gas projects. They expose institutions that continue to support fossil fuel expansion and advocate for a finance system that aligns with climate goals. Reclaim Finance campaigns aim to disrupt the flow of money to polluting industries, pushing for climate-aligned investment policies and sustainable financial practices. Their efforts have resulted in several financial institutions committing to divest from fossil fuels, highlighting the critical role finance plays in shaping climate policy.   

Break Free from Plastic 

Break Free from Plastic is a global movement that advocates for systemic changes in how plastic is produced, used and disposed of. The movement focuses on shifting responsibility away from individual consumers and onto corporations and governments, calling for policies that reduce plastic production at its source. Break Free from Plastic campaigns have helped establish bans on single-use plastics, promote reusable packaging systems and pressure companies to adopt sustainable packaging. By addressing plastic pollution at its root, the movement seeks to create a circular economy that minimises waste and protects communities and ecosystems from plastic’s harmful impacts. 

The Just Transition Alliance 

The Just Transition Alliance based in the USA advocates for policies that ensure a fair and equitable shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy, focusing on communities and workers who rely on the fossil fuel industry. The Alliance works with labour unions, environmental groups and community organisations to promote a transition that provides new job opportunities, retraining programmes and protections for vulnerable workers. 

Have your say 

Reflecting on these examples, consider your responses to the following questions: 

• Which actions or campaigns resonate most with you?
• Are there any you find particularly interesting, inspiring, or relevant to your own context?  

Share and discuss with other learners in the Comments section which actions you could see yourself supporting and why they appeal to you.