Voluntary and community groups can play an important role in the local response to climate change. A first step could be to use the Climate Just map tool to understand the vulnerability of an area to climate change.

Voluntary and community groups are taking action to build the resilience of local areas to climate change. A group in Buckingham designed a plan to respond to flooding in the local area and stages mock responses to ensure residents know what to do in the event of a flood. In addition, a group in Tyneside created a backwater channel in their local area to manage excess flood water. In total there are around 12,000 community initiatives in the UK, JRF research shows.

Some groups offer relief to local residents during periods of extreme weather. Voluntary groups in Cheshire and Hovingham provide relief to local residents during periods of heavy snowfall. Many flood groups set up relief centres during a flood to coordinate action from.

Voluntary groups can play a role in tackling fuel poverty. Voluntary groups can raise awareness of the financial support that is available to help people cover the cost of their energy bills and help households become energy efficient. An Islington-based group works in partnership with local service providers to address the root causes of fuel poverty.

There are a growing number of community-run energy projects that aim to provide renewable energy to local residents. Support and guidance is available to those wanting to initiative their own.

Social and economic factors can amplify the effects of floods and heatwaves, JRF research suggests. Voluntary and community groups can inform local decision makers of the need to consider the social and economic factors when responding to climate hazards.

Voluntary groups can facilitate or encourage resident participation in decision making processes, as has happened in Llanelli and Liverpool. Greater participation in decision making processes helps to ensure that the allocation of resources is driven by a broad range of community interests.