Dancing together: environment, development, aid and faith organisations in climate politics in the United Kingdom

Abstract

This paper investigates the politics of climate change in the United Kingdom, and in particular, the role of environment non-governmental organisations (ENGOs), aid, faith and development non-government organisations (NGOs). I argue that the drawing together of environment and development concerns is a natural progression in climate politics, given the interdependent nature of development and environmental issues, particularly in developing regions. In addition, this is not surprising given the social justice dimensions to climate change impacts and climate change adaptation, and the pre-existing social justice focus of aid and development organisations. Where other NGO alliances are rare, the combination of a strong civil society, a shared social justice perspective, and a number of important personal connections within the movement laid the groundwork for a strategic joint NGO on climate change. The political result of an alliance between environment groups and aid organisations in the UK context is a strengthened political impact given the wide community support for development and aid organisations and their established voice in politics in that country.