While world leaders convene in Glasgow for COP26 to negotiate our climate future, ordinary people from across the UK show them how they, and others like them, are making a significant difference to reducing our carbon footprint.
One of the ’Everyday Climate Heroes’ whose images have been captured by renowned photographer Rankin is Marie Hand, a supervisor at a heat pump factory in Cornwall.
It is these unsung heroes that Rankin has brought to the forefront in this campaign, which has been unveiled for COP26 and will be displayed on over 400 billboards throughout the UK for the summit’s duration.
The bespoke work is in partnership with the Futerra Solutions Union, a new non-profit, which uses the power of culture to accelerate sustainable development.
The campaign aims to change the face of climate action in the UK, breaking through the stereotypes of only politicians and activists having a media profile, when so many of us are making a difference everyday.
The 10 Everyday Climate Heroes identified by the Futerra Solutions Union and shot by Rankin range from a former coal miner to a farmer; from scientists to teachers, community volunteers, a factory worker and a waitress. Each brings a message of hope underlined by their urgency to do what they can to secure our future.
“It’s important for regular people to be involved in these things because people can relate. They think ‘well if he can do it, I can do it’”, says Ibe Hayter, founder of Cycle of Life and one of the heroes.
“It’s just trying to give people the understanding that we can change this,” adds another hero, Marie Hand, factory supervisor at Kensa Heat Pumps. “It’s never too late. I don’t want to have my grandchildren growing up and it’s no better. It will be. If everybody did just a little bit you’d be surprised”.
Photographer Rankin, said: “The Everyday Climate Heroes all have thought provoking stories to tell. Through imagery, I wanted to highlight the extraordinary change being made by these ordinary people within their local communities and to the environment. This project takes the spotlight away from the world leaders and places it on the people that make up our nation, we all have a part to play in tackling the climate crisis. And now is that time.”
Solitaire Townsend, Chair of the Futerra Solutions Union said: “It’s not only the Royals or protestors who care about climate change. Across the UK people are making a real difference, everyday. Our neighbours, our friends, and our children are all starting to do what they can in millions of different ways, every single day. These are extraordinary portraits of everyday people. We couldn’t be more proud to help raise up these voices.”