Choose to fight climate change. Choose the world you want. Choose Fairtrade.

Climate Action North teams up with Stockton Fairtrade Borough Partnership for 2021 Fairtrade Fortnight.

The annual Fairtrade Fortnight is shining a spotlight on the climate crisis and asking the public to support fair trade so farmers overseas can benefit from fairer prices, fairer trading practices and the resources needed for tackling the climate emergency.

The UK fairtrade movement, which has very strong founding links in the North East of England, advocates that producers are paid fairly; gives producers a say in their future; does the right thing by both people and the planet; and strengthens communities around the world.

Those in climate-vulnerable countries are already seeing its impacts from droughts and crop disease to floods, heatwaves and shrinking harvests. Fairtrade is the only certification which empowers farmers and protects the environment, including preventing the destruction of forests and has strong environmental standards that define where farming is permitted, what pesticides are used and biodiversity regulations.

Climate Action North’s Managing Director, Sharon Lashley, said: “We’re delighted to partner with the Stockton Fairtrade Borough Partnership to support fairtrade and, in particular, encourage action to treat people fairly and do our bit to protect the planet.

“The climate crisis is one of the greatest challenges we face and fairtrade is a fantastic way to support farmers adapt and become resilient, while helping consumers and businesses to be part of a more sustainable supply chain.”

Stockton Fairtrade Borough Partnership, through their members, works to raise awareness of fairtrade. Katharine Lam, a community member pioneer with The Co-op in Stockton-On-Tees, said: “Our choices are powerful. Their effects can reach far beyond us and they can help us shape the world we want. The daily decisions we make about what to eat, drink and wear affect the lives of people around the world – and the health of our planet so this Fairtrade Fortnight, we’re focusing on the choices we all make every day.”

Katharine along with Maureen Rigg, chair of Stockton Borough Fairtrade Partnership feature in Let’s talk nature and climate a Climate Action North series of online talks about nature and the climate crisis. Watch the episode.

Maureen said: “Our support for fairtrade is more important now than ever, and we need to come together and use our voices to champion fair trade and change lives through the choices we all make.”

The time for talking is over, today we need to act.