Victoria Russell, project manager at Community First Yorkshire, shares her thoughts on tackling climate change and how a new National Lottery-funded programme in North Yorkshire aims to inspire climate action across the county. She calls for passionate people to join the programme:

We all know climate change is happening. We see it around us every day – though sometimes it’s so gradual, we hardly notice. But it’s there.

In my own village, I’ve watched the pond dry up earlier and earlier each year, leaving the little ducklings with less space to swim. I find myself reaching for the suncream more often – protecting my children from the stronger sun. My energy bills also just keep creeping up, with another price cap increase on every horizon.

Like so many people, I want to do my bit. I’d love to get the bus to work – but there’s no public transport from my village. I want to heat my home in a greener way – but figuring out green tech can feel like decoding a foreign language (not to mention the cost). It’s easy to feel helpless in these situations when change, and the seemingly small impact it would make in the global context, feels out of reach.

So, what can I do? Well, I try to use my slow cooker more (lower energy consumption and tea is ready for when I get home from work, win win!). I’ve been buying more of my clothes from Vinted, and I try to eat more plant-based meals (Lentil Bolognese done in the slow cooker – triple win!).

But one of the most important things I can do is to talk to others about the climate action I’m taking.

Take action in North Yorkshire

A global study recently found that many people want to take climate action – but many stay quiet, thinking they’re in the minority. The truth is – most of us care. We just don’t realise how many others do too. Climate change can also feel like an overwhelming issue and often include lots of scientific jargon, which can be confusing.

That’s why I’m especially excited about a new National Lottery-funded programme that Community First Yorkshire will be delivering over the next three years. It’s called Village Green.

Together with some amazing partners we’ll be sparking climate action right here in North Yorkshire.

Helping communities to tackle climate change

The goal? To inspire, empower and connect communities to lead the way in tackling climate change. Think hundreds of hands-on, community-led activities focused on sustainable living, energy saving, and reducing carbon footprints. We’re also going to help voluntary and community organisations build greener practices into their work – making it easier to align with funders, reduce emissions and support their communities even better.

But before all that can happen, we need the right people on board.

Your opportunity to work with us – and build sustainable communities

If you’re passionate about the planet, love working with others, and want to make a real difference at a local level – this might be your moment. We’ve got a range of roles available, including a Climate Action Project Manager, two Climate Action Officers, and a Monitoring & Evaluation Officer.

Curious? Interested? Just want a chat about what’s involved? I’d absolutely love to hear from you.

Together, we can turn concern into action – and help make North Yorkshire a shining example of what’s possible when communities come together.

Email Victoria about the roles: victoria.russell@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk