In 2026, RISE was awarded funding by FEL (Forth Environment Link) to lead a Climate Project, supporting community involvement in Scotland’s Climate Change Plan 2026–2040. This project was since given a new name by the ten women who took part in its inaugural year, and has now entered a new era: Racial Action for Climate Equity. Here is the journey so far:

• Climate Change Plan Consultation (Dec 2025–Jan 2026): RISE engaged 84 participants across eight diverse community groups to ensure local voices shaped the Scottish Government’s Climate Change Plan. Despite a tight timeframe, the consultation captured clear community priorities, barriers to climate action, and community‑led solutions.

   

• Climate Ready Forth Valley Conversations (Feb–Mar 2026): RISE facilitated discussions with African and Asian communities to explore lived experiences of climate change. Conversations focused on culture and heritage, community resilience, and extreme weather impacts. Participants shared how climate change affects daily life, both locally and in countries of origin, and highlighted the need for culturally informed climate policy.

   

• Engagement was affected by the timing of Ramadan, underscoring the importance of culturally responsive planning. Despite this, the project generated powerful insights and demonstrated the essential role of lived experience in shaping fair, effective climate adaptation.

Then in September 2026, the Founding Pioneers Showcase took place to launch the RACE Community Action Plan, which you can read below.