The climate crisis often seems like an insurmountable challenge – how do we even begin to comprehend, much less tackle, the most pressing issue our planet and people face?

For too long, both climate activism and climate coverage have overlooked the voices and experiences of communities of colour, particularly those in the Global South, who have been living with the impact of the crisis for years. Through our new series ‘It’s Happening Now’, we’re exploring the effect of the climate crisis and campaigning for change to address its effects on marginalised communities in the UK and around the world. The crisis can’t be confined to one part of our lives, and so it won’t be confined to one section of our coverage either.

Here, you’ll be able to find stories spotlighting communities, collectives and individuals who are adapting, innovating and campaigning for solutions, the voices of those on the frontlines, and practical actions you can take straightaway to make a difference. We know the language around the crisis can often be intimidating. As with all gal-dem’s coverage, these stories will be told from the perspectives of people of colour from marginalised genders, in ways that are accessible, clear, and spark hope that it’s not too late to fight for change.

As part of our commitment to covering the climate crisis responsibly and centring the stories of people of colour, we are proud to announce a new partnership with Covering Climate Now – a collaboration of more than 450 newsrooms around the world working together to cover the climate crisis with the accuracy and urgency it deserves. CC Now’s Emergency Statement says, “it’s time for journalism to recognise that the climate crisis is here.” For communities of colour, that recognition is long overdue.

Over the first two weeks of November, we will be covering the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow. The upcoming conference looks to be potentially the least diverse and most inaccessible ever, and our coverage will uplift the voices so often locked out of the corridors of power.

Our commitment stretches beyond the two weeks of COP26, and all stories, past present and future, related to the climate crisis can be found here. This crisis is happening now – we cannot, and will not, ignore it.