The Silent Majority: How Great Big Green Week breaks the climate silence and turns it onto action

Whether we say it out loud or not, climate change is on our minds and for many it’s more than we might realise. Global research recently highlighted that people vastly underestimate how many others share their climate concerns. The global study spanning 125 countries found that 89% want stronger government action on climate change, yet most believe they’re in the minority. This means people feel hesitant to act or speak up when they think others won’t support them.

From a UK perspective, the results revealed over 50% of people think about climate change weekly, and 51% are more worried than last year. The Peoples’ Climate Vote 2024 highlighted that nearly 90% are concerned about the impact of climate change on future generations, and half of UK communities who responded have already faced worse-than-usual extreme weather. Yet, despite our concerns, many of us still don’t talk about it.

Enter, Great Big Green Week, the UK’s biggest celebration of community climate action bringing people together to:

·       Break the silence - showing that whilst concern is widespread, communities are coming together and this helps others feel confident to speak up.

·       Inspiring action - from local clean-ups to energy-saving swaps, small steps add up when taken collectively.

·       Push for change – when communities unite, governments and businesses take notice.

Last year, 600,000 people across communities, schools, businesses, churches, mosques and more came together in a wave of support for action to protect the planet and took part proving that the demand for climate action is far from a minority view. The more we talk, the more we normalise action—creating a ripple effect that shifts policies and behaviours.

This year, we expect 1 million people to take part.

What can you do?

Join an event - find or host one in your area.

Start a conversation - share your concern and the small actions you take. Chances are, others feel the same.

Take action together - collective efforts do make a difference.

The research is clearer than ever, most of us care. Now it’s time to show it.

Get involved in Great Big Green Week because change happens when we speak up. Plus, we have a ton of resources to help you every step of the way!