Linking Climate Justice and Social Justice: The journey to a more equal Greater Manchester

A week of inspiring events focusing on sustainability, climate justice and social justice. We are strong together.

The UK government has laid out it’s vision for a ‘market-led, technology-driven transition to decarbonise the UK economy and reach net zero by 2050.’

Many a business and individual are leading the charge towards net zero, but relatively fewer charities have begun that same journey. While the VCS and not-for-profit sector have an important role to play in achieving net zero, there are hurdles to overcome in terms of perceived costs and barriers specific to the (small) charity landscape.

The tensions between climate justice on the one hand, and social justice on the other, can leave many a small organisation or charity feeling pulled in two incompatible directions. But by uniting climate and social justice, greater and better change is possible.

Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity are committing to our own net zero journey, working to reduce our carbon footprint as much as possible and, where we can, supporting the charities and organisations we work with to do the same.

To support that work, we are building towards our own Sustainability Charter to help us track our progress and achieve meaningful action. We’re excited to be working with Play It Green on this journey, and welcome conversations and collaborations with all who share in our commitment for change.

As we begin that journey, we have been fortunate to attend a week of truly inspiring events. Our Head of Strategic Development, Fran Darlington-Pollock, attended Elevate’s Northern Sustainability Summit at Manchester Central, and the full staff team attended GM Networks Connect at Freight Island.

The goal of both events? Action for change. Whether in uniting businesses for learning and planning or building on the incredible movements of collective action across social and climate justice within our city region.

Our patron, Mayor Andy Burnham, spoke at each event, sharing a vision for the future and growth of Greater Manchester, and emphasising the importance of climate and social action to that:

“… this is an opportunity to improve people’s lives, to lower the cost of living for people, to give them better services than they already have...”

The link between climate justice and social justice could not be clearer.

Donate today and know that your money will help tackle homelessness across our city-region for a fairer and more sustainable future.