Cumbria CVS Green Blog No 20 – October 2025
October 8, 2025
Welcome back to Cumbria CVS Green!
In our twentieth blog post, Emily Wilson, our South Lakes & Furness Development Officer, discusses Planetarinism, and the need to shift our worldview and place the health and resilience of the entire planetary system at the heart of decision-making.
If you have any suggestions about what you’d like to see in our regular updates, let us know! Contact us by emailing info@cumbriacvs.org.uk
You can find our what we’re doing to minimise our environmental impact and find details of organisations supporting positive environmental action in Cumbria on our Climate Commitment page here
Catch up on our other blog posts here
Embracing Planetarinism: A New Paradigm for Sustainable Development
Recently, a lecturer from my university introduced me to the concept of planetarinism, and I found it deeply resonated with my role as a Development Officer at Cumbria CVS, given the link to the Orsted Community Fund, which prioritises positive environmental impact.
For decades, our approach to leadership, education, business, and policy has centred on humanitarianism, the drive to improve human welfare. While this is a worthy goal, it has also inadvertently contributed to an existential risk for humanity itself, by neglecting the complex, interdependent systems that sustain life on Earth.
To truly ensure a flourishing future, we need to shift our worldview, from humanitarianism to what my lecturer called “planetarinism”.
This shift recognises that we are not apart from the planet, we are part of it. It places the health and resilience of the entire planetary system at the heart of decision-making. It asks us to understand the broader impacts of our behaviours, not just on people, but on the ecosystems, climate systems, and geophysical systems that ultimately make human life possible.
John Elkington’s Triple Bottom Line (People, Planet, Profit) reminds us to balance social, environmental, and economic outcomes. Planetarinism challenges us to embed a planet-first perspective into every conversation about progress, innovation, and leadership:
Does this action contribute to the long-term resilience of the planet?
Planetarinism and Third Sector Organisations:
Third sector organisations, including charities, non-profits, and community groups, play a crucial role in this shift. These organisations are often at the forefront of addressing social and environmental issues and can lead by example in adopting planetarinism.
Here’s how:
- Education and Advocacy: Third sector organisations can educate their communities about the importance of planetary health and advocate for policies that prioritise long-term environmental sustainability.
- Sustainable Practices: By implementing sustainable practices within their operations, these organisations can reduce their carbon footprint and inspire others to do the same.
- Collaborative Efforts: Partnering with other organisations, businesses, and government bodies to create systemic change and promote a planet-first perspective.
- Innovative Solutions: Developing and supporting innovative solutions that address both social and environmental challenges, ensuring that progress in one area does not come at the expense of another.
- Attend Training Sessions: Cumbria CVS has tailored environmental and sustainability policy training – see our next session here.
Planetarinism is not a rejection of humanitarianism but is a necessary revisiting of historical cultural attitudes and behaviours. By embracing this, third sector organisations can help ensure a sustainable and resilient future for all.
Training and Events
Climate Fresk
14th October, Kendal. Climate Fresk is a powerful, interactive workshop that transforms complex climate science into clear, easy-to-understand cause-and-effect relationships — helping participants explore how everything connects, why it matters and what action is needed.
This three-hour session uses a hands-on, visual approach to unpack the science behind climate change and spark meaningful conversations about solutions. It’s collaborative, engaging, and designed to empower people with the knowledge and confidence to take action.
Climate Fresk is a group workshop using a set of pictorial cards with facts from the latest IPCC report, and facilitated by our expert climate trainers, helping participants to explore the causes and consequences of climate change to create a unique flowchart fresco – or fresk!
National online launch: Cumbria Climate Assembly
Thursday 23rd October, online. This event sees the national launch of the 17 recommendations proposed by the 42 randomly selected Cumbrian residents who made up the assembly.
Britain’s most trusted cook and champion of listening to everyday voices Delia Smith, will be in conversation with some of the assembly members.
Delivering energy advice in the community
Tuesday 4th November, online. This session will introduce why community-led energy advice and support is needed to tackle barriers to engagement and support underserved and fuel poor communities as well as able-to-pay households.
The session will cover examples of energy advice activities, considerations and challenges to be aware of and options for funding and support. Guest speakers from Y Dref Werdd and Sustainable Clevedon will tell us about their experiences of providing energy advice in their communities.
Climate Action Plans for Educational Settings
Tuesday 25th November, online: Our friends at Futureproof Cumbria are running webinars to help school leaders, teachers and governors develop climate action plans.
Discover ready-made tools, practical ideas, and the confidence to take meaningful steps – no matter where your school is on its sustainability journey. Tickets £25.
News and Information
Energy Price Cap
With the increase in the Energy Price Cap announced last month, many people are thinking how they will keep their homes warm this winter.
All Cumbrian residents can get a free advice call – either general tips or something specific, and you’d be surprised how many people are eligible for a home visit!
New plan to kickstart onshore wind revolution
A new onshore wind strategy has been published by the Government as part of its mission to become a clean energy superpower. Under the plans, the amount of clean, homegrown energy from onshore wind is set to accelerate over the second half of the decade.
Thousands of new jobs for British people in onshore wind, such as engineering, construction, and operations maintenance, could also be created by 2030 to build the onshore wind needed to deliver clean power for families and businesses.
