“The cost of inaction is too high, and the power of people is too strong to ignore”: resident from Pontypridd meets his MS.

Surveys show that 89% of the UK want stronger action on climate and nature – but politicians say they aren’t actually hearing this from their constituents. Climate Cymru’s Mass Lobby was about closing this gap – bringing people together to tell our Senedd members what we want them to be doing. 

On Wednesday, 17 September, hundreds of people from across Wales came to Cardiff to speak with their members of the Senedd (MSs), to ask them for bolder action to secure a fairer, better future for all. 

Jonathan Griffin from Pontypridd, who has been personally affected by flooding in his town, said: ‘For me, this isn’t just about policy, it’s personal. I’ve seen the river Taf flood my town repeatedly over the past few years with severe financial and emotional impact on the homes of friends and businesses alike. We want a fairer, cleaner future for our children. 

We want to talk to our MSs not as experts or lobbyists but as neighbours, parents, students, small business owners, faith leaders- people who love our communities and want to protect them. We are asking them to listen to our concerns, to back stronger and fairer climate policies and to show leadership in the Senedd.

The cost of inaction is too high, and the power of people is too strong to ignore. Parties need to listen and act on matters that are close to people’s hearts.’

For some, this was the first time they were speaking face-to-face with their MS. Hope For The Future supported people in preparing for their meeting. Their stories delivered a clear message, that a fairer, stronger Wales is within reach – but it requires bold political leadership. Many attendees were calling for greater political ambition to create the future our children deserve.

Grace Gavigan, who is studying at Cardiff University, was disappointed that her Member of the Senedd from her home town was a ‘no show’ but was pleased to be able to attend a meeting with her Cardiff representative instead: “I’m incredibly passionate about fighting for a fairer and for fairer, more sustainable world, climate justice and acting for change. I’m studying law at Cardiff University with the aspiration of becoming an environmental Barrister. I attended my first climate strike at the age of 12, and the fire in my belly hasn’t burnt out. 

As a younger teenager, I suffered with climate anxiety and a sense of helplessness about the declining state of our nature. It upset me that people in power weren’t doing more for our planet, and so I decided to rally for the change that I wanted to see.”

As well as meetings with MSs, the day celebrated community action. From school eco councils to locally owned renewable projects and food hubs, to those supporting families hit by extreme weather or unemployment, the day showed how communities are already proving that another way forward is possible. It was evident from conversations with Senedd members that there was a strong call for bold political leadership to match what communities are doing on the ground.

Children from Gwauncelyn Primary School in Pontypridd, presented their work into creating a deforestation free-school, collaborating with their school caterers to change the school’s menu. They said “We were delighted that decision makers listened to us and have started to make some positive changes. However there is much more work to be done to make our school menu deforestation free”

Fire Brigade Union Wales also joined the mass lobby to represent their community groups and unions. Gareth Tovey said: “I’m here today because firefighters are on the front lines of the climate emergency, battling extreme weather events such as wildfires and flooding. Due to lack of investment, fire services in Wales face an additional crisis in the recruitment and retention of retained firefighters, who are available on call. There simply aren’t enough crews and resources available to safely respond to the increase in intensive incidents”

“The FBU calls on the Welsh government and Westminster to protect homes and lives from the climate emergency, by providing the investment the fire and rescue service desperately needs.”

Bethan Sayed from Climate Cymru said: This mass lobby came at a crucial moment. Too often, politicians underestimate the public’s willingness to act on the climate crisis, and that limits the ambition of their policies. People need urgent support, not just to simply survive, but to thrive.

If we get it right, climate action can transform lives – from warmer homes and cleaner air to better transport, thriving soils and good, sustainable jobs. The conversations at our mass lobby were a chance for communities across Wales to set out their priorities, and to demand the bold leadership needed to build a fairer, healthier, more resilient future for everyone. It was a powerful and hopeful day—one that showed just how much people care, and how ready they are for change.

In Wales, the urgent actions being called for from politicians and policymakers include:

Put people at the centre: We’re calling for warm and efficient homes for all, widespread community-owned energy, and a move to a more sustainable Wales that leaves no one behind.

Fund the front line: We demand vital investment for critical needs like robust flood defenses in vulnerable areas and initiatives that secure food security in our communities, empowering local councils to back grassroots ideas.

Support work with wildlife, land and sea: Imagine nature recovering on land and at sea, wetlands slowing floods, urban woodlands cooling our towns, and farmers backed to grow healthy food in ways that protect nature and keep our rural communities strong.

Want to contact your member of the Senedd about what you care about?

You can find their contact details here.