Why Grassroot Movements are Important
Over the course of my parliamentary career, I have been a keen and active social entrepreneur, this includes environmental and sustainable initiatives. These include Sustainable Huddersfield, the Westminster Commission for Road and Air Quality (WRCRAQ) and Urban Mines.
I am very supportive of social enterprises because the impact that grassroot initiatives have on shaping policy is immense; and they are also very active on the ground in making a practical difference with limited resources and finances.
All too often, I have seen movements fail because they do not take stock of the cares and interests of people on the ground. Without understanding the true issues at the foundation of the cause, movements can fall flat because their leaders leave the volunteers and grassroot activists behind, rather than listening to these groups, to understand the real issue. When conducting social enterprises, I always look for individuals with knowledge, passion, and experience – these are the secret ingredients to a successful grassroot campaign.
Why the Environment is Important
At the Labour Party Conference, Keir Starmer launched the Party’s Greener, Fairer Britain policy. This will see massive economic and infrastructure investment in green technologies, that produce renewable energy materials and production. This is a key Party pledge for the next election, which means that the environment is an important political agenda that has opportunities to be influenced in a positive way.
Labour will get us to Clean Power by 2030 and bring in a nationwide home insulation programme, retrofitting 19 million homes, this will save energy, money, and most importantly, reduce our fossil fuel emissions.
And this could not come a moment too soon, with global temperatures warming, and more and more Climate Change Summits. COP26, then COP27, and yet all we hear is more words, and less action. Whilst finding agreement on these issues is complicated and difficult, the reality is that the global average temperature has risen by 1.5 degrees already, and this will continue to rise without action.
The planet that we are fortunate enough to call home, is under threat, and we are the ones killing it. We will succeed if we do not act soon. Therefore, we need grassroots activism to achieve our goals, and save our home.
Why Grassroots are the Solution
Grassroot activism is a core aspect of environmental justice. It can provide action for marginalised groups and communities that are all too often excluded from usual decision-making processes. They also heighten awareness of environmental issues that would ordinarily go unnoticed and remain unaddressed.
This is why Grassroot environmentalism is so important. These movements provide real action on current issues and ensure that action is taken. They address the key issues of the day, not what leaders think that the environmental problems are, but what people, at the ‘grassroots’, see and experience daily.
One such person is Great Thunberg, who on her to first visit to the UK, I heard her speak on her successful grassroots activism. We all know who she is, which is demonstrative of the ground-breaking difference that grassroot activists can have on worldwide policy, including environmental policy.
One simple act by a schoolgirl, at the grassroots of society, has blossomed and incentivised a worldwide movement.
As always, please provide me with your thoughts, views and concerns. You can reach me at barry.sheerman.mp@parliament.uk.