11 July, 2025

The National Trust launched its first climate transition plan this week, and it’s a powerful example of what climate leadership can look like beyond the world of business. 

Charities don’t face the same regulations or investor pressure as companies when it comes to climate disclosure, and they’re not mandated to publish transition plans. That alone makes the Trust’s decision to produce one noteworthy. But perhaps more importantly, it’s a good plan.  

The Trust is aiming to be net zero by 2030 and has practical plans to get there by restoring peatlands, switching to renewable energy, cutting emissions from travel and visitor operations, and working with suppliers to reduce their impacts. All of this is underpinned by a commitment to transparency and regular progress reviews. Which is all great, but it’s not what caught our eye. 

What stands out to us is the Trust’s thoughtful and place-based approach to adapting to the impacts of climate change. The National Trust manages over 250,000 hectares of land, hundreds of historic buildings and 780 miles of coastline, making it one of the UK’s largest landowners. According to its own predictions, more than 70% of the places it manages will be at high or medium risk of climate-related hazards, such as floods, coastal erosion and wildfires, in the next 35 years if urgent action isn’t taken. Through a structured impact and adaptation pathway, it is working to understand the unique risks facing each place it looks after and tailoring practical plans to respond and prepare. 

Why are we making such a big deal about it? National Trust places aren’t abstract assets – they’re where people walk the dog, have a day out in nature, drag the kids around a manor house, or volunteer on weekends. When climate change hits those places, it feels a bit more real. And when those places start to respond with serious plans and visible action, it makes the whole challenge feel a bit more achievable too.

Hats off to the National Trust! 

By Budd Nicholson