Communities are at the heart of our climate change programme. From co-designing the Climate Ecological Emergency Strategy in 2021, to working together with Brent to deliver grass roots projects and initiatives.
We believe that tackling climate change must include everyone - our residents, businesses, community groups, and partners - especially those most affected by inequality.
Brent is one of the most diverse boroughs in London, and this diversity is central to how we approach climate action.
We are committed to ensuring that no one is left behind. By working closely with our communities, we are building an inclusive approach to climate action that reflects the voices, experiences, and needs of all who live and work in Brent.
A Borough Rich in Diversity
Brent’s strength lies in its people.
- 64% of residents are from global majority backgrounds
- Over 150 languages are spoken
- 37% of residents do not have English as their first language
- 80% of residents identify with a faith, above the London average
This rich diversity shapes how we design and deliver climate action. Through our Green Neighbourhood approach, Green Neighbourhoods | Brent Council we work at a grassroots level to ensure that our initiatives are locally relevant, culturally appropriate, and tailored to the unique needs of each community.
Addressing Climate Inequality
Climate change does not affect everyone equally. In Brent, communities already facing social and economic inequalities are often the most impacted -experiencing poorer air quality, limited access to green space, and inefficient housing.
These same communities can also feel excluded from climate conversations. To truly tackle climate change, we must address these inequalities by ensuring everyone has a voice, and by prioritising those most affected.
Removing barriers to participation
We focus on engaging:
- Community and voluntary sector
- Young people and schools
- Faith communities
- Grassroots communities
To make climate action accessible, we work to remove common barriers, including:
- Language differences
- Complex or technical climate messaging
- Lack of incentives
- Building trust
By partnering with trusted local organisations and leaders, we help ensure engagement is meaningful, inclusive, and accessible to all.
Learning from our communities
Our experience has shown that successful climate engagement must:
- Reflect the identity and lived experiences of our communities
- Use clear, simple, and inclusive language
- Connect climate action to everyday life, culture, and faith
When people see themselves represented and understand how climate action relates to their lives, they are more empowered to participate and lead change.
Shaping projects together
Together, we co-design and deliver projects that reach every part of the borough. These include:
• Repair Cafés promoting reuse and reducing waste
• A Faith Climate Action Plan co-created with local faith groups
• Events in places of worship and community centres
• Climate festivals in community spaces
• Participation in a community-led Nature Connection Centre in Roundwood Park
Community-Led Projects
We support a wide range of innovative, community-driven initiatives, including:
- Faith Climate Action Group and the Climate Change and My Religion exhibition Faith communities and the climate emergency
- Partnership with the London School of Economics (LSE) for workshops and a climate symposium Faith communities and the climate emergency
- Brent to Bowl Cookbook promoting low-waste cooking
- Faces of Climate Change amplifying underrepresented voices
- Roots of Brent, a youth-led climate documentary Roots of Brent
- Junk Kouture workshops, encouraging sustainable fashion in schools
- Together Towards Zero Grants supporting local climate projects
- Revive & Ride, a bike reuse scheme
- Community Takeover Days
- Community gardens
Looking Ahead
Tackling climate inequality is about more than reducing emissions—it’s about fairness, inclusion, and shared responsibility.
We are committed to continuing this journey by:
- Breaking down barriers to participation
- Building trust and capacity within communities
- Supporting locally-led solutions
- Ensuring every voice is heard
By working together, we can create a greener, fairer Brent—where everyone has the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from climate action.