This thought has been milling around in my mind for some time now.
What resonates with me is how it illustrates the way we make change, how we continue to address climate change, and how that in turn impacts inequality and social justice. For some time, I have felt we are caught in a position where we know climate change is a reality and that achieving as close to net zero as possible is essential, yet despite the COP agreements and countless other initiatives, we often seem no closer to where we need to be. Despite all the evident goodwill, action and implementation can feel limited.
We need to push through.
There will always be barriers, and perhaps inertia and apathy have set in. But I believe we are all agents for change. Despite the sense of inertia and conflicting solutions, much of the challenge plays out at a political level.
Flip-flopping, pushback, direct undermining and concerns about missing tipping points all suggest that we still struggle to build real momentum.
We must acknowledge that there will always be active voices pushing back against effective measures. Yet every day we can see people taking action, finding ways to address their concerns about climate change and biodiversity loss, and doing something practical about it.
Over the last week I have seen and been involved with three inspiring examples. In different ways, across a variety of sectors and through very different forms of action, they are all pushing through this crucial challenge that humanity is facing.
At Homerton College, University of Cambridge, I have been lucky enough to join their Advisory Board. I have taken part in two workshops and discussions which brought together scientists, futurists, foundations, philanthropists, academics and community projects committed to addressing climate change.
The aim of the centre is to be a research, education and convening hub that will bring Cambridge’s breadth, depth and global reach to help catalyse whole-system transformation. What particularly inspires me is its ability to bring together people from diverse backgrounds, all committed to bringing their hope, expertise, ideas and solutions to what can often seem an intractable problem.
There are three areas of focus currently developing: 100 Years Dialogue, Chrysalis Labs and the Mycelial Network. The new website that gives further information, and I encourage everyone to take a look and consider how they might help and get involved.
For over two decades I have talked and collaborated with Sungjoo Kim, owner of the luxury company MCM. Throughout all our discussions and projects, sustainability and support for initiatives that empower and educate women and girls have been at the heart of her thinking.
She has ensured the company remains focused on developing materials and products that seek to minimise their impact on the environment and contribute to addressing climate change. This commitment has resulted in MCM receiving the Positive Luxury Award for Business of the Year.
Maintaining this focus is not easy. It affects the bottom line. That is why it is inspiring and encouraging when companies such as MCM demonstrate a long-term belief that this is the only way forward.
I live somewhere where there is a real local focus on how, as a community, we might come together to address climate change, increase biodiversity and move towards net zero.
Burford Beagles is a local, volunteer-led community group working to tackle the climate and nature crisis, build local resilience and promote sustainability through conservation projects, community gardening and renewable energy advocacy. It meets every month to plan and organise discussions on Doughnut Economics and how this thinking can be put into practice, attend screenings of the National Emergency Briefing, undertake litter picks, run repair cafés, plant trees, install swift boxes and monitor local streams and rivers for pollution. You name it, they will do it.
The belief is simple: that we can make a difference, that each of us can be an agent for change, and that action matters. Deeds, not words.
These examples show what can happen when we give space to thinking about how things might be done differently, drawing on imagination, resilience and dedication. They show that it is possible to push against the tide.
I mentioned that one of the Cambridge initiatives is focused on the concept of a mycelial network: a growing web of people connected by a shared commitment to achieving systemic change and protecting our planet and its people.
I find that an inspiring and hopeful idea. It reminds us that we do not have to see this as an impossible task. Joined together, through countless acts of leadership, collaboration and community action, we can push through and out the other side.
And perhaps that is the only way out…
Images: From Architectural Biennale in Venice (2025) and Burford
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