UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Over 5,000 UK citizens urged MPs to act on climate, as polling shows strong public support for net zero goals despite widespread silence.
As reported by The Guardian, thousands from across Britain met their MPs in Westminster, calling for swift climate measures to protect lives and the environment.
What did the silent climate majority really want?
More than 500 MPs were lobbied by a broad group of citizens, parents, farmers, doctors, and youth campaigners in one of the UK’s largest climate calls.
Ahead of the event, the white cliffs of Dover displayed a bold projection reading “89% of people want climate action.”
According to The Guardian’s April report, 89% of people worldwide support stronger climate action, but they believe others don’t share the same sentiment.
How did a green heart mosaic become a climate symbol?
A green heart mosaic, made from 1,500 public photos, highlighted what people value and hope to protect from climate threats.
Helen Marshall, a public artist, created the piece using images of cherished values, such as family, forests, food, and faith, urging politicians to take action.
Famous personalities also took part, with images shared by:
- Actors like David Harewood, Brian Cox, Amanda Abbington, and Bella Ramsey
- TV presenters such as Ben Fogle and Konnie Huq
- Comedians including Shazia Mirza and Nish Kumar
- Chefs like Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall
- Along with various writers, footballers, and activists
One image comes from a parks manager in Antrim, who called nature her safe space. Others include a Southsea academic cherishing seaside memories and a London vicar who submitted a photo of his community garden.
Organisers of the UK’s largest climate lobby
The Climate Coalition is a group of over 120 UK organisations representing more than 22 million people. It coordinated the mass lobby and the image campaign.
Key participating groups include:
- The National Trust
- The RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds)
- The Women’s Institute
What did Helen Meech say about the UK’s climate movement?
Helen Meech, the executive director of the Climate Coalition, stated,
“Right across the UK, people are stepping up to protect the things they love, from clean air and green spaces to secure jobs and warm homes. This is one of the biggest democratic moments for climate and nature in years and a chance to show that acting for our future is not just popular, it’s essential.”
Charlotte Howell’s views on climate action and children
Charlotte Howell, a co-director of Parents for Future, said,
“As parents, our greatest priority is to keep our children safe and healthy, right now and in the future. We are making it clear to MPs that climate action isn’t optional, it’s critical.”
What did Tanya Steele say about the mass lobby?
Tanya Steele, the WWF chief executive, said,
“Today’s mass lobby of MPs must be a turning point, a moment to show our leaders that we, their constituents, want to live in a country where people and nature can thrive together.”
Keir Starmer’s message to climate campaigners
Keir Starmer sent a message to campaigners lobbying MPs, adding,
“The issues you are discussing today are central to my commitment to tackling climate change, both here in the UK and around the world.”
He said the government is “doubling down” on clean energy, investing billions to improve home insulation and support climate resilience globally.
Mr Starmer added,
“Together, these actions reflect our unwavering commitment to climate action, energy security and social justice.”
What did Dr Niall McLoughlin say about climate silence?
Dr Niall McLoughlin, from Climate Barometer, said people often stay quiet about climate change because they believe they’re alone in caring. He said, “That isn’t the case at all.”
He added,
“It’s now crucial to break this spiral of silence if we want to make progress on climate change. Sharing support for climate action with people we meet can play a key role in driving forward change. There’s no time to waste – public figures and politicians should show real leadership.”
What did the Climate Barometer survey reveal about public silence?
According to Climate Barometer, only 10% of people in Britain openly express their opinions on climate issues.
The survey found that although nearly two-thirds of Britons support the 2050 net zero target and local clean energy projects, half stay silent on climate issues.
A June survey covering 13 countries reveals that 77% of participants said they would support political candidates who push for taxing major polluters, such as oil and gas firms, as well as the super-rich with high carbon footprints.