Dear John,

This week's devastating floods are a destructive reminder that our planet's climate is at a crossroads.

The UK's carbon emissions have plunged since the passing of the Climate Change Act 16 years ago – one of Friends of the Earth's biggest ever wins. But with extreme weather like we've seen this week becoming more and more frequent, the Act's legacy is under threat.

From a Radiohead gig to our recommendations for the future, here's the story of the past 16 years in pictures. And if you haven't yet, please sign our petition for a Big Climate Plan – to tell our leaders not to waste the next 16.

A Plant for the Planet

Did you know you can help save the planet from your living room? Order your Plant for the Planet today. You'll receive your very own fittonia houseplant that'll help power our campaigns for a greener, fairer future.

Your houseplant comes with its own terracotta pot, peat-free coir soil and a guide to level up your green lifestyle. It’s pet-safe and plastic-free too.

Help us grow our movement with a new houseplant to add to your collection. Or start one. It takes just 2 minutes to order yours or you can send it to someone special. A Plant for the Planet will make a perfect gift for friends and family.

Unwanted presents: to regift, or not to regift

Regifting unwanted presents can be a touchy subject. You might want to cut down on waste. Or perhaps you’d rather not risk offending a previous gift-giver this holiday season.

Alongside some of our social media followers, we’ve weighed up the pros and cons of regifting unwanted presents for you.

Moving money for the planet

Have you ever thought about making your pension green? If you do, it could be up to 21 times more powerful than not flying, eating meat and switching energy provider.

Some banks and pension funds have committed to cut carbon emissions. But there's still trillions of pounds invested in fossil fuel industry expansion. It's time to see what big business is doing with your money and how you can take action.

Check out our new, free Money Movers online hub. You’ll find tips and support to make your money work for a fair and liveable planet. And discover the power of taking climate action together. Please share Money Movers with a mate (or 2) as well.

A huge thank you to our partner Triodos Bank UK for sponsoring the Money Movers hub.

Our Hackney Postcode Gardener project – what's next?

In 2018, we launched our first Postcode Gardener project in Hackney with the vision to make the area 10 times greener. Working with a local partner and volunteers, the community hired the UK's first Postcode Gardener to co-create a greener neighbourhood. Over 6 years, the community sowed seeds, planted in margins and made space for nature.

We supported them to secure a grant to develop the Hackney Buzzline – a flower-rich wildlife corridor linking 4 parks to boost bee and butterfly populations and help residents connect with nature. A massive thanks to Hackney’s staff and volunteers for their enthusiasm and commitment. We wish them lots of luck.

With The Co-operative Bank’s support, we’ve been scaling up our Postcode Gardener programme to transform hundreds more spaces into havens for nature and people. We've launched 17 new projects in nature-deprived areas across England and Wales. Take a look.

Thanks so much for reading. I’ll be back in touch next month with a round-up of everything you’ve helped us achieve in 2024.

Best wishes,

Aleanna Shaughnessy

Supporter Relations Manager, Friends of the Earth