Have you seen the People’s Emergency Briefing? If you have, you may well be feeling a sense of disbelief and frustration or fear and anger. Whatever you are feeling after the viewing, there’s no need to feel helpless – there is so much you can do!

We have compiled a few suggestions here. Firstly, here is the handout from the Cranleigh Arts screening.

The National Emergency Briefing website has a lot of very useful ideas and links on their Take Action page. We need to join others in clamouring for action:

• Internationally – by supporting organisations like Greenpeace or Friends of the Earth
• Nationally – make sure your MP knows what you think!
• Locally – join organisations trying to make a difference and speak to local councillors

The scale and immediacy of the threat we face requires government-led wartime-scale action, and changes made in our personal lives may seem insignificant, but do not underestimate the power of leading by example. If you make a change today and share it with a few friends, just see how it can ripple out! Here are some ideas:

🍎 Food

• Only have meat maybe once or twice a week
• Join in the autumn 2026 “Bang in some Beans” campaign and get ideas on how to reduce your consumption of meat and dairy: https://foodfoundation.org.uk/initiatives/bang-in-some-beans

🚴🏽 Transport

• Go by train instead of flying. Or instead of several short holidays, take one occasional long one.
• Walk, cycle or use public transport when possible
• Come along to the Cranleigh Climate Action Pop-up outside the Co-op on the morning of Saturday 17 October. Speak directly to Stagecoach managers and take part in our “What would get you on the bus?” consultation
• Get the Better Points app (endorsed by Surrey County Council) and earn money for your Active Travel
• Try Surrey Connect Electric bus: https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/buses-and-other-transport/community-transport/surrey-connect
• If you really need a car, think about getting an EV when it’s time to change your car

🛍️ Stuff

• Reduce your consumption of new goods – use the weekly Cranleigh Library of Things and monthly Cranleigh Repair Café
• Buy plastic free from For Earth’s Sake
• Reuse with pre-loved clothing, books and pottery from our wonderful charity shops
• Recycle as much as possible with the council and also at the Repair Café

💡 Energy

• Save energy and save money: drop into the Friday afternoon Energy Clinics in Cranleigh Library for advice on easy wins and options for financial support with bills

🦋 Nature

• Plant shrubs & trees for pollinators like bees for year-round sustenance, such as Mahonia and Ivy for winter; Honeysuckle, Sedum and Abelia for autumn;  apple and Pussy Willow for spring; Lavender and herbs for summer
• Leave some of your garden for nature