Since 2022, Manchester’s In Our Nature programme has been bringing climate action into everyday life. It’s all about making this effort fashionable, affordable, and enjoyable. Jane Houldsworth, Deputy Director, and Ellie Sherlock, Communications Lead at Manchester Climate Ready, believe that everyone has to be part of this journey.
Manchester aims for zero carbon by 2038. But for this goal to succeed, it has to include everyone. “No one organization can tackle climate change alone,” Jane says. “It has to be a team effort.” In Our Nature focuses on inclusivity, ensuring that no community is overlooked. In 2025, it even supported a Citizen’s Panel, allowing residents to shape the city’s climate strategy for the next five years.
Over the past three years, nearly 4,800 people from 121 community groups participated in 87 projects, saving 67 tonnes of carbon. These initiatives were rolled out through local organizations, schools, and community groups, creating a movement that reflects Manchester’s rich diversity.
As one of the most deprived areas in England, Manchester is home to many different cultures and backgrounds. Jane emphasizes, “When we talk to the people of Manchester, we are addressing many voices. Our approach needs to connect with each of them.” Instead of leading with climate statistics, they focused on the benefits of taking climate action.
“It’s not just about climate,” Jane explains. “People are facing various pressures in their daily lives. Climate change won’t be a priority if it’s only seen as that.” In Our Nature shows that climate action can lead to stylish, delicious, and economical choices while also fostering skills, connections, and well-being.
A key part of their success lies in community leaders delivering these messages. Trusted voices from faith groups, sports clubs, and local communities share personal stories that resonate better than top-down approaches. This makes the initiatives feel genuine and relatable.
In Our Nature isn’t just about executing projects; it’s about building a network. By connecting groups facing similar challenges, participants can inspire each other. “It’s been eye-opening for people to realize they’re not alone,” Jane notes. “Everyone aims for the same goal.”
Ellie emphasizes the importance of relatable language: “We keep it simple and informal. We celebrate small wins and avoid judgment,” she says. This clear communication builds a strong local identity that resonates with Manchester residents.
To assist communities, the programme features a Resource Hub on its website with over 200 practical guides developed with residents. Many resources are available in multiple languages, making them accessible to all.
The programme tracks its impact carefully. An independent survey avoids leading questions and evaluates various benefits. Not every project delivers the same results, but specific outcomes are shared accurately.
Results show significant impact: 1,570 participants saved money, 982 learned new skills, and many reported enhanced mental well-being. The demographics reflect the city’s diversity, indicating broad engagement.
Personal stories provide a powerful measure of success. For instance, Asma, who participated in a project to help women navigate public transport, felt a newfound independence after using public transport for the first time in years.
Another success story comes from a young footballer in Manchester. Through a partnership with Woolfe Football Community CIC, he learned about sustainable nutrition, remarking, “Playing at a professional level is tough, but knowing I’m also helping the environment is rewarding. Small changes in my diet have made a significant difference.”
Manchester has learned from cities like Tartu and Frankfurt through the Grow Green and Zero Carbon Cities initiatives. Sharing insights and strategies helps strengthen local efforts and create a more sustainable future.
International collaboration is vital. Jane believes peer networks provide invaluable support. “If solving climate change were easy, it would have been done by now,” she says. Learning from others facing similar challenges fosters resilience and innovation.
For cities inspired by Manchester’s approach, the core message is clear: start with what matters to people, engage trusted community voices, and connect with others facing the same challenges.
Manchester’s In Our Nature programme is shortlisted for the Eurocities Awards in 2026. You can find the full awards shortlist [here](https://eurocities.idloom.events/Eurocities_Annual_Conference_2026_Utrecht/register).
